Union Minister of Housing, Urban Affairs, and Energy Sh. Manohar Lal has said that, given the record crowd of lakhs of people and the gathering of artists, it would not be an exaggeration to call the Surajkund Mela the Maha Kumbh of crafts and art.
This Mela is not just an event to sell goods; it is a celebration of the rich culture, food, and clothing of Haryana, as well as that of the country and the world. Attending the Mela feels like experiencing "Mini India."
The Surajkund Crafts Mela has truly become a national pride and a symbol of Haryana’s cultural identity. Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal was addressing as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 38th International Surajkund Crafts Mela.
He said that since the 28th Surajkund Mela in 2014, he has been consistently participating in this magnificent event. This marks his 11th visit to the Mela. In 2015, for the first time, 20 countries participated, giving the Surajkund Mela an international stature.
Today, the number of participating countries has increased to 44. The Surajkund Crafts Mela, along with the Kurukshetra International Gita Jayanti Festival, is bringing global recognition and pride to Haryana.
He said that fair and art are integral parts of human life. At the Surajkund Mela, on one hand, you can enjoy Idli Dosa from South India, while on the other, you can savor the Khaat ke Thaath and Bajra ki Khichdi of Haryana.
This cultural exchange is helping spread Haryana's rich traditions to foreign countries. The fair is also strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation, as thousands and lakhs of art lovers gather at one place.
Only a true artist can truly appreciate the essence of art. The Union Minister further emphasized that art can be found in every form of nature. The greatest artist is God, who created this beautiful universe.
Earlier, Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal visited the historical Surajkund site, the Art and Culture Department's metal paintings gallery, and the pavilions of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. During this visit, artists from various countries and states showcased their artwork in front of the chief guest at the glittering carnival that began at Mall Road.
Along with the chief guest, Haryana Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Revenue Minister Sh Vipul Goel, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh Rajesh Nagar and MLAs Sh Dhanesh Adlakha, and Satish Phagna were honored by tying traditional turban on them.
Haryana Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Surajkund Crafts Mela is realising Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. This international Mela will mark a significant milestone in the series of resolutions set by the Prime Minister to make the country developed by 2047.
Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini have played a pivotal role in shaping the fair's success, offering it a panoramic appeal. Last year, 13 lakh tourists attended the event, and in 2025, that number has risen to 18 lakh.
The fair's beauty and attraction continue to grow year after year. It is a unique confluence of diverse international cultures and Haryana's rich heritage. A total of 1,200 stalls were set up, with allotments made through a transparent online system.
In the closing ceremony, the chief guest honored D. Shivamma of Andhra Pradesh, Magan Bhai of Gujarat, EAW Pushpakumara of Sri Lanka, Armen Khasatian of Armenia and Temba Malanga of Zimbabwe with the Kala Ratna Award.
Principal Secretary Tourism and Vice Chairperson of Mela Management, Smt. Kala Ramachandran, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the guests. On this occasion, a stunning dance performance based on the theme of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat, choreographed by Sh Sanjay Sharma, was presented. The performance beautifully showcased the folk cultures of India, representing states from East to West and North to South.