A glimpse of global culture will be on display; over 700 international participants, artisans, and artists will showcase their artistic skills
The fair will be inaugurated by the Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan
New Delhi : Haryana’s Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that the 39th Surajkund International Self-Reliant Crafts Festival – 2026, starting from January 31, 2026, is set to become a grand confluence of world cultures. More than 50 countries from Africa and Asia, including BIMSTEC and SAARC nations, will participate in this grand event, showcasing diverse cultural traditions from around the world, transforming Surajkund into a global cultural platform.
Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma provided this information during a press conference at Haryana Bhawan in Delhi on Friday. He said that this year’s fair will offer a vibrant glimpse of global culture, where approximately 700 international participants, artisans, and artists will present their unique folk arts, traditional crafts, and cultural performances to the audience. He informed that the 39th Surajkund International Self-Reliant Crafts Festival will be grandly inaugurated by the Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will also be present as special guests, further strengthening India’s cultural identity on the international stage.
Fair Theme: From Local to Global – The Identity of Self-Reliant India
Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma informed that this grand fair is being organized by the Haryana Tourism Department, Surajkund Fair Authority, in collaboration with the Central Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Textiles (Development Commissioner – Handicrafts and Handlooms), Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs, and ICCR. The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation and the Department of Art and Culture, Haryana, will also participate in the crafts festival to promote regional art and cultural activities. He said that keeping in mind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed India,” “Self-Reliant India,” “Swadeshi (Made in India) campaign,” and the objective of empowering local markets, the theme of the fair has been set as “Local to Global – The Identity of Self-Reliant India.”
Egypt to be the Partner Country
Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma informed that Egypt is participating as the Partner Nation, and Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are participating as Theme States. Artists, craftsmen, weavers, and artisans from various countries will showcase their culture, cultural traditions, and art on this international platform at the Surajkund Mela. This year, more than 1200 stalls have been set up at the Surajkund Mela for the display and sale of products by national and international weavers, artisans, and traditional craftspeople. The Tourism Minister appealed to more and more people to participate in the Surajkund Mela.
Artists like Kailash Kher and Gurdas Maan to perform
Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that grand programs will be organized every evening for the entertainment of tourists at the world’s largest craft festival, featuring performances by artists such as Bollywood singer Padma Shri Kailash Kher and Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan. Fashion shows, poetry recitations, and stand-up comedy programs will also be held. He said that local artists have been invited to promote the disappearing folk art forms of Haryanvi culture. Folk culture will be encouraged through Haryanvi art and traditional musical instruments. Several talented artists, including Padma Shri and Haryana’s pride Mahavir Guddu, will perform.
Continuously striving to empower artisans, weavers, and craftspeople
Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, the resolve is to make this craft festival a powerful platform for heritage tourism, national and international cultural unity, and the livelihood of artisans. The 39th Surajkund International Self-Reliant Craft Festival is not just an event, but a celebration of India’s cultural unity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of self-reliance. He said that Haryana demonstrates its commitment to heritage preservation, sustainable livelihoods, and international cultural cooperation, and will continue its efforts to empower artisans, weavers, and craftspeople.
Minister Arvind Sharma extends invitation to the Vice President
On Friday, Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma visited the Vice President’s residence in Delhi and extended an invitation to Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan for the 39th Surajkund International Self-Reliant Crafts Festival – 2026.