Embassy of India
Lomé, Togo

36^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Fair) – 2023

The ever-famous Surajkund International Crafts Mela (Fair) is an annual event hosted by Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Ministries of Textiles, Tourism, Culture, External Affairs, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Government of India.  The Mela showcases the finest traditions of handicrafts, handlooms, culture and cuisine from all parts of India as well as foreign nations.  The 36^th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be held from 3^rd to 19^th February 2023 at Surajkund (near Delhi), Faridabad, Haryana, India. 

The journey of this Mela began in 1987, with an aim to preserve the languishing arts and crafts of India.  The Mela has successfully established a conducive environment for craft persons to showcase their art and crafts directly to the patrons and buyers without the involvement of middlemen.  Craftsmen from all over India and abroad share a common platform in the Mela.  The Mela proves to be a melting pot of sorts as crafts, languages and cultures from across India and the world come and create ambience worth experience.

Over the years, the Mela has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the tourist calendar of the region. It is a unique experience where one explores an eclectic mix of thatched huts, follksongs, flamboyant colours, ornate crafts and aroma of different cuisines. The 35^th edition of the Mela attracted footfalls of more than 800,000 with participation of more than 29 countries in spite of COVID.

This year, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries will become the Partner Nation in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2023. This is the first time in the history of Surajkund International Craft Mela that a Group of Countries are going to become Partner Nation under the umbrella of SCO.

The Embassy of India invites participation of a vibrant cultural troupe (consisting of 10-15 members) and 4-5 artisans/craft persons from Togo to showcase the heritage of Togo.  The Surajkund Mela Authority will provide free boarding, lodging and airport transportation from Delhi airport to the Mela (Fair) ground during the Togolese troupe stay in the Mela (except airfare and any professional fee, if applicable). 

Lomé
October 17, 2022