Surajkund emerges as India’s strongest platform for ‘Local to Global’: CM Nayab Singh Saini*
*Fair reflects the soul of India and the dignity of its artisans*
*Faridabad, January 31 —* The 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival 2026 was formally inaugurated in Faridabad on Saturday by Vice President of India, Sh. C.P. Radhakrishnan, reaffirming India’s resolve to take indigenous crafts from local communities to the global marketplace. Recognised as one of the country’s largest cultural showcases, the Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival continues to celebrate India’s living heritage while strengthening the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival has evolved into a powerful cultural and economic platform that honours artisans, preserves traditional skills, and connects craftsmanship with sustainable livelihoods. Based on the themes ‘Local to Global’ and ‘Identity of a Self-Reliant India’, this fair reflects Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring both respect and market access for artisans.
The Chief Minister said Surajkund is not merely an exhibition but a cultural movement that has earned recognition across the world. He said that artisans from India and abroad find new inspiration and opportunities through this platform, which has consistently grown in scale and stature over nearly four decades.
Union Minister of State, Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, and BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Kaushik and senior officers and distinguished guests also remained present on this occasion.
Welcoming Vice President, Sh. C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Chief Minister said his presence has added prestige to the event and inspired artisans from across the country and overseas. He described the Surajkund Fair as a globally recognised confluence of art, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange.
The Chief Minister extended a warm welcome to international guests, stating that the Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival represents a harmonious blend of India’s ancient traditions and modern aspirations. For the past 38 years, this fair has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Indian folk art and cultural traditions, and this legacy continues to expand.
He emphasized that the concept of self-reliance goes beyond economic independence. It also includes pride in one’s culture, preservation of heritage, and presenting India’s traditions to the world with confidence. The Surajkund Fair, he said, is a living example of this philosophy. From earthen pottery to hand-woven textiles, every product displayed at the fair reflects the essence of India. The true strength of the fair lies in its artisans, who keep these traditions alive through their skill and dedication.
*Incredible India showcased through artisan’s craftsmanship*
The Chief Minister said that artisans from every state and Union Territory of India are participating in this year’s fair. From bamboo craftsmanship of the Northeast to silk sarees of the South, vibrant embroidery of the West, and intricate wood carving of North India, the entire spectrum of ‘Incredible India’ is on display at Surajkund. He said that Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are participating as partner states this year, while Egypt’s participation as the partner nation has added a strong international dimension to the fair. Such cultural exchanges, he said, help bridge distances between nations and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Highlighting the importance of tourism, Shri Saini said the Haryana government is making continuous efforts to promote tourism as it acts as a major engine for employment generation. The 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival stands as a clear example of this impact. With lakhs of visitors expected until February 15, the fair will provide significant economic benefits not only to artisans but also to local taxi operators, hotel owners, vendors, and small traders. Every purchase made by a visitor, he said, is not merely a transaction but a recognition of an artisan’s skill and a reinforcement of the ‘Vocal for Local’ ethos.
The Chief Minister said the state government regularly provides platforms to promote crafts and traditional arts. In addition to the Surajkund Fair, Saras fairs are organised at the district level, along with the annual Diwali Mela. He also referred to the International Saraswati Mahotsav and the International Gita Mahotsav at Kurukshetra, where large-scale Saras fairs are organised every year with participation from artisans across the country. To promote pottery and traditional clay art, the Haryana government has constituted the Mati Kala Board. Training in traditional crafts is also being imparted at Shri Vishwakarma Skill Development University.
*Artisans encouraged to adopt modern technology*
The Chief Minister urged artisans to enhance their skills by adopting modern technology. He said digital platforms now enable artisans, even in remote areas, to sell their products across the world. He also encouraged the use of modern techniques in design and product development to meet changing market demands while preserving traditional aesthetics.
He said that civilizations prosper through interaction and cooperation, making international participation essential. Expressing hope for further expansion of the fair in the coming years, he said that artists and tourists from India and abroad would take back fond memories of Haryana’s hospitality, inspiring them to return again.
*Over 700 foreign delegates from more than 50 countries participating- Dr. Arvind Sharma*
Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said it is a matter of pride that the 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Craft Festival continues to scale new heights. Since its inception in 1987, the fair has evolved into a strong global identity for Indian cultural heritage, crafts, and art. Acting as a powerful ‘Local to Global’ platform, the Surajkund Fair plays a key role in connecting indigenous products with international markets.
He said that while 44 countries participated in the fair last year, this year more than 50 countries are represented, with over 700 foreign delegates and representatives taking part. Egypt is the partner nation for this edition, further strengthening cultural exchange between countries. The fair, he said, provides artisans and artists not only a platform to showcase their talent but also opportunities to enhance income and gain international recognition.
Dr. Arvind Sharma further highlighted Haryana’s rich historical and archaeological heritage, stating that the 7,000-year-old Rakhigarhi civilisation has significantly strengthened the state’s global identity.
On the occasion, MLAs Sh. Dhanesh Adlakha , Sh. Satish Fagna, Shri Tejpal Tanwar, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, Sh. Randhir Panihar and Smt. Krishna Gehlot were present. Commissioner and Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department Dr. Amit Agrawal, Director, Sh. Parth Gupta, Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad, Sh. Ayush Sinha and along with other senior officers and dignitaries also attended the event.
