The Surajkund Diwali Mela is set to return to Faridabad, Haryana, from October 23 to 26, offering four days of festive shopping, traditional handicrafts, folk music, and regional cuisine. Approximately 300 stalls will be part of the event, showcasing Indian art and craft traditions.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the third edition of the fair, while Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on October 26. The event is organised by the Haryana Tourism Department and aims to provide visitors with a blend of Diwali shopping opportunities, cultural performances, traditional food experiences, and family entertainment. A performance by Sufi and folk singer Kanwar Grewal is anticipated as a significant attraction.
The fair will host around 300 stalls featuring a diverse range of products, including handicrafts, handloom items, traditional artefacts, home décor, and festive merchandise sourced from various regions across India. This curated selection aims to allow visitors to explore and purchase traditional crafts conveniently at a single venue.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy, the event will host folk artists, traditional dance troupes, and musical performances designed to celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity. A dedicated food court will be available, offering a variety of regional delicacies alongside popular dishes from established food brands, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences.
Kanwar Grewal Among Key Attractions
The cultural evenings are expected to feature a performance by renowned Sufi and folk singer Kanwar Grewal. Complementing this, various folk music and traditional dance performances are planned to give attendees a tangible experience of India’s varied cultural traditions.
Haryana’s Minister for Heritage and Tourism, Arvind Sharma, emphasized the importance of folk songs, dances, and traditional music, describing them as integral components of India’s cultural heritage that play a crucial role in the intergenerational transmission of traditions.
Benefit to Artisans and Local Economy
Minister Sharma further stated that the Surajkund Diwali Mela transcends its function as a mere shopping and entertainment venue. He highlighted its role as a crucial platform for artisans and craftsmen, enabling them to exhibit their skills, directly market their products to consumers, and establish connections with new customer bases.
He underscored the significance of handicrafts as a vital element of India’s cultural identity and a primary source of livelihood for millions of individuals. Events like the mela are instrumental in preserving traditional skills, encouraging younger generations to embrace and continue these crafts, and fostering local economic development.
The state government is actively pursuing initiatives to expand the tourism sector by integrating it with cultural heritage, handicraft promotion, and employment generation. The fair is positioned as a key platform for artisans, performers, small business owners, and other stakeholders involved in the tourism ecosystem.
Closing Ceremony with Union Minister
The four-day fair is scheduled to conclude on October 26, with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar slated to attend the closing ceremony. The Haryana Government and the Tourism Department have extended invitations to residents of Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and neighbouring states, encouraging families to attend and partake in the festive atmosphere leading up to Diwali.
The Chenab Times News Desk