Surajkund Craft Fair Inaugurated by President Murmu in Faridabad

The President of India, Smt. Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana on February 2, 2024. It will run till February 18, 2024.

About 37th Surajkund International Crafts Fair

• The partner state Gujarat and North-Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation are the cultural partners in this year's Surajkund International Crafts Fair. 
• Tanzania is the partner country of this year's fair.
  • The participation of Tanzania as a partner nation in this fair highlights India's partnership with the African Union.

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of 55 member states that make up the African continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity.

• In the 2023 edition, the fair featured eight states as theme states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.

About Surajkund Fair

• Surajkund Fair is unique as it showcases the richness and diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India, and is the largest crafts fair in the world.
• The fair is organized by Surajkund Fair Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs.
• Cultural theme
  • A large number of renowned national and international folk artists and cultural groups perform in both the chaupalas, open-air theaters located in the fair complex. 
  • On every evening of the fair, fascinating cultural evening programs are also organized at the main Chaupal. 
  • The fair is actually a patron of heritage crafts involving the use of traditional skills that are becoming extinct due to cheap machine-made imitations, and a special section has been set aside for the display of these heritage crafts.
• Food items
  • The multi-cuisine food court offers ethnic dishes from around the world, which are extremely popular among visitors. 
  • There are designated areas for entertainment, adventure sports and joy rides to make it a must-see event for the youngsters.