Surajkund Diwali Mela to Begin on October 23 Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to Inaugurate Third Edition

Four-day fair to showcase India's art, culture and handicrafts, with 300 stalls offering special Diwali shopping opportunities

 Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal to grace the closing ceremony on October 26; Sufi singer Kanwar Grewal to be a major attraction*

Preserving cultural heritage, promoting local artisans and boosting tourism remain government's priority: Dr. Arvind Sharma

 Chandigarh, 

The Surajkund Mela Grounds in Faridabad are all set to come alive with festive colours once again, showcasing Haryana's rich cultural heritage, folk traditions and traditional handicrafts. The third Surajkund Diwali Mela will be held from October 23 to 26 and will be inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. State Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma will be specially present on the occasion, while Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal will attend the closing ceremony on October 26 as the Chief Guest.

 The four-day fair will offer an attractive blend of Diwali festivities, Indian art and culture, handicrafts, folk music, traditional cuisine and family entertainment. Around 300 stalls will showcase the talent of artisans and craftsmen from across the country, while providing visitors with a special festive shopping experience. The Haryana Tourism Department is putting the final touches to the preparations for the event.

 Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Surajkund Diwali Fair is not merely an event for shopping and entertainment; it is also an important platform to celebrate India's cultural diversity, traditional arts and craft traditions passed down through generations. The event will provide local artisans and craftsmen with an opportunity to showcase their skills, sell their products directly to customers and connect with new markets.

 He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, efforts to give the country's cultural heritage global recognition are being taken forward by the Haryana Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The state government is committed to preserving historical heritage, promoting folk culture and expanding tourism activities. Events such as the Surajkund Diwali Fair translate this vision into action while further strengthening Haryana's cultural identity.

 Dr. Sharma said that the Surajkund Mela Grounds have long served as an important centre for promoting Haryana's art and handicrafts at the national and international levels. Through the Diwali Fair, the government is working to carry this tradition forward and connect more people with the state's rich cultural heritage.

 Indian Artisans to Showcase Their Skills at 300 Stalls

Around 300 stalls at the fair will offer a wide variety of handicrafts, handloom products, traditional artefacts, home décor items and products specially suited for Diwali. Visitors will be able to explore and purchase traditional art and craft products from different regions of the country at a single venue.

 Dr. Arvind Sharma said that handicrafts are not only an integral part of India's cultural identity but also a source of livelihood for millions of people. Such events provide artisans with opportunities to display and sell their creations. This helps preserve traditional skills, connect the younger generation with these crafts and boost local economic activities.

 Sufi Singer Kanwar Grewal to Enliven the Cultural Evening

 Cultural programmes will be one of the major attractions of the Surajkund Diwali Fair. A performance by renowned Sufi and folk singer Kanwar Grewal will make the cultural evening memorable. In addition, performances by folk artists and traditional dance groups will bring alive the diverse colours of Indian folk culture.

 Dr. Sharma said that folk songs, folk dances and traditional music are the soul of India's cultural heritage. They help pass traditions from one generation to the next. The cultural performances at the Surajkund Diwali Fair will offer visitors not only entertainment but also an opportunity to experience the diversity of Indian folk life up close.

 Food Court to Offer a Variety of Culinary Delights

 Alongside shopping and cultural programmes, special arrangements will be made for food and refreshments at the fair. The spacious food court will offer traditional delicacies from different regions, along with popular dishes from well-known food brands. This will allow families and tourists to enjoy shopping, music, entertainment and delicious food at one venue.

 The event is being planned to ensure that children, young people, senior citizens and families can all enjoy the festive atmosphere ahead of Diwali.

 Boost to Tourism, Employment and the Local Economy

 The Heritage and Tourism Minister said that the Haryana Government is working to expand tourism beyond conventional sightseeing by linking it with cultural heritage, local art, handicrafts and employment opportunities. The Surajkund Diwali Fair is significant in this regard, as it will enable artisans, performers, small business owners and people associated with the tourism sector to expand their activities.

 He said that such events not only strengthen the state's cultural identity but also stimulate the local economy. The government's objective is to bring Haryana's historical heritage, folk traditions and cultural distinctiveness to a wider audience across India and the world.

 Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal to Attend Closing Ceremony on October 26

 The third Surajkund Diwali Mela will commence on October 23 and conclude on October 26. Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal will grace the closing ceremony. Over the four days, handicraft exhibitions, folk art, music, cultural performances and traditional cuisine will offer visitors a memorable experience ahead of Diwali.

The Haryana Government and the Tourism Department have appealed to people from Delhi-NCR, Haryana and neighbouring states to visit Surajkund with their families and become part of this cultural celebration.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Surajkund Diwali Fair is an opportunity to celebrate India's cultural diversity, recognise the talent of local artisans and share the joy of the festive season. He urged people to visit the fair in large numbers and support Indian art, culture and traditional handicrafts.