Surajkund international craft mela's international pavilion draws global tourists with vibrant cultural showcases

CHANDIGARH: The 38th Surajkund International Craft Mela is offering visitors a unique experience of art and culture, along with craftsmanship from India and abroad. With Odisha and Madhya Pradesh as the theme states, the Mela is also showcasing the vibrant cultures of the BIMSTEC organisation. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the BIMSTEC Pavilion, drawing significant international tourist attention.
Located behind the Chaupal area, the International Pavilion is one of the highlights of this year’s Crafts Mela. BIMSTEC member countries, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Ghana, and Afghanistan, were chosen as partner countries. Besides this, around 51 other countries are also participating, with over 30 international stalls showcasing their traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
The Mela is not only attracting tourists for Indian artisans but also international craftsmen, providing them with a platform to show their unique skills. The BIMSTEC Pavilion features stalls from various countries, each offering a glimpse into their cultural traditions. One of the most popular stalls is FC-43, where Tunisian artisans are displaying beautifully crafted items made from olive wood.
A Tunisian craftsman shared that they brought a wide range of handcrafted decorative items made from olive wood, which take anywhere from two to four days to create, including swings, coffee and tea sets, chairs, flowerpots, clocks, and corner stools. The intricate carvings on these handmade items are drawing large crowds, with visitors eagerly admiring and purchasing these pieces.
High footfall
According to the officials of the Haryana Tourism Corporation, the 38th edition of the Mela is witnessing an overwhelming response from visitors in its initial three days, with a 20% rise in ticket sales compared to the previous year in the first three days.
This surge is attributed to the seamless online ticketing system and the extensive promotion carried out in coordination with Delhi Metro, where Surajkund banners and digital screens at metro stations have significantly boosted visitor engagement. According to the officials, the presence of renowned artists like Satinder Sartaj on the first day, Mame Khan on the second, and a spectacular performance by Irshad Kamil and Mahabir Guddu on the third day set a new standard for the cultural extravaganza.