Vice President to inaugurate the Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival will make a strong impact on the world’s cultural and tourism map. With the objective of realizing PM Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Mela will strengthen the cultural heritage of national and international artists, artisans, and weavers, while giving fresh momentum to intellectual and commercial activities. The guiding mantra of the festival will be “Local to Global – Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
Dr. Arvind Sharma while addressing a press conference at his office in the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Wednesday shared that the Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, will inaugurate the craft conclave at Surajkund, Faridabad, on January 31. Union Tourism Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will attend as special guests. He added that the 16-day-long festival will conclude on February 15, with Governor, Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the Chief Guest.
Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival is not merely an event, but a celebration of India’s cultural unity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of self-reliance. He said that the festival will live up to its commitment to preserving Haryana’s heritage, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for talented artisans and craftsmen, and strengthening international cultural cooperation.
He informed that Egypt, as the Partner Nation for the fourth time, will attract visitors with its ancient art and culture, while the Theme States Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya will showcase their rich cultural and folk traditions at the fairground. Last year, 635 participants from 44 countries displayed their talent, whereas this year nearly 800 participants from over 50 countries will take part.
The Heritage and Tourism Minister further shared that more than 1,200 stalls have been allotted at the festival for national and international weavers, artisans, and for the exhibition and sale of traditional crafts. Renowned artists including Padma Shri Kailash Kher, Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, and Padma Shri Mahabir Guddu, among others, will perform at the festival.
To keep Haryana’s cultural and folk art traditions alive, regional artists will perform on various stages, featuring traditional musical instruments such as the ektara, sarangi, and dheru. Keeping in view the increasing footfall of tourists every year, infrastructure development works worth approximately Rs. 4.75 crore have been undertaken at the fairground. These include beautification of the venue, widening of pathways, construction of 127 new huts, repair of old huts, and expansion of the amusement area.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma also expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. Sh. Ajit Pawar in a crash landing.
Sharing more information, Commissioner and Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, said that the Surajkund International Craft Mela is not just a fair, but an event with national and international recognition. Artisans from all corners of the country participate in it, along with wide international participation. He said that the fair witnesses continuous demand and diversity in craft products.
Dr. Agarwal further said that the Surajkund Mela is organized not for commercial purposes, but to promote artisans and their craftsmanship. The event strengthens self-reliance, enhances export potential, and gives local products a global platform, thereby realizing the vision of “Local to Global.”