About Surajkund
Surajkund is an ancient reservoir of the 10th century in Faridabad city of Haryana state. It located on Southern Delhi Ridge of Aravalli range about 8 km (5 mi) from South Delhi.
Surajkund (literal meaning is ‘Lake of the Sun’). It is an artificial Kund (‘Kund’ means “lake” or reservoir) built in the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. It has a coliseum shaped bank constructed in semicircular form.
The king Surajpal of Tomar dynasty built it in the 10th century.
Surajkund Fair – Celebration of Indian Folk Traditions & Cultural Heritage.
A colourful traditional craft festival of India takes place every year during the spring season from 1–16 February on 40 acres of land in the precincts of Surajkund in the backdrop of the lake, .
All states of India along with several dozen other nations participate in the fair. Over 1.2 million visitors including 200,000 foreigners attend it. Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs organise the fair. This fair was first started in 1987.
Traditional craftsmen (artists, painters, weavers and sculptors) from all parts of the country participate in this annual celebration named as the “Surajkund Crafts Mela” or “Surajkund designer’s Village”. The authorities renamed the fair as ‘Surajkund International Crafts Mela’ and upgraded it to an international level in 2013 .
The entrance to the fair grounds depicts the theme and provides a feel of a specific state of India. It uses characteristic colors, materials, architecture, furniture and decorations. The stalls display crafts particular of the theme state.
Regional Cuisine & Culture
The fair also includes a food festival covering some of the popular cuisines from different parts of the country. Furthermore it also holds entertainment in the form of famous rhythms and dance of folk theater.
A large number of renowned national and international folk artistes and cultural groups present day performances at both the Chaupals, the open-air theaters, located in the fair premises. The main chaupal hosts charming cultural programs every evening.
Regional Crafts at Surajkund Fair
The fair is indeed a protector of the heritage crafts involving use of traditional skills that are fading away due to cheap machine made imitations. Likewise a designated special section showcases these heritage crafts.
How to reach Surajkund Fair
Suraj Kund is in Faridabad city of Haryana. Visitors staying in Delhi (NCR) can reach the venue by road.
By Bus
Every year Department of State Transport, Haryana & Delhi Transport Corporation arrange buses from Maharanapratap ISBT, Delhi, Shivaji Stadium Bus Terminal and other strategic locations whose schedule is updated on respective websites during the fair.
By Metro
The nearest metro station to the fair ground is Tuglakabad Metro Station. Tughlakabad Station is on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro. It is located between Mohan Estate and Badarpur station.
By Air
The nearest airport is at Delhi. Surajkund is 25 km away from the Indira Gandhi International airport and it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to travel the distance.
By Rail
Delhi is the nearest railway junction. Railway lines connect Faridabad and Gurgaon to Delhi. From each of these stations, one can travel to Surajkund by car/cab or tourist coach.
By Road
Tarmac road connect Surajkund to Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad approachable by one’s own or hired vehicle.
Where to Stay
There are various resorts and hotels in and around. However, we recommend planning your stay before-hand since hotels tend to get booked out quickly during the festival period.
One can choose from resorts, hotels, and guest houses in Faridabad, Gurgaon, or Delhi. A quick search online will display accommodation options suited to various budgets and preferences.
