8 Most Famous Art and Crafts Melas of India

8 Famous Art and Crafts Melas in India You Should Not Miss

India's cultural richness is best witnessed through its vibrant art and crafts fairs, known locally as melas. These events are not just marketplaces, but immersive experiences showcasing traditional skills, regional diversity, folk performances, and culinary delights. Here’s a look at 8 of the most celebrated art & crafts melas in India, where heritage meets creativity.

1. Surajkund Mela – Haryana

Where & When: Surajkund, Faridabad | February (1st to 15th annually)

One of the largest crafts fairs in the world, the Surajkund Mela is a spectacular celebration of traditional Indian handicrafts, textiles, music, and cuisine. Held in February, this mela attracts artisans from across India and partner countries. Each year, a different Indian state is chosen as the theme state, bringing focus to its unique crafts and culture. Live performances, workshops, and folk dances enhance the cultural experience, making it a paradise for heritage lovers.

2. Shilpgram Utsav – Rajasthan

Where & When: Shilpgram, near Udaipur | December (21st to 31st)

Nestled at the foot of the Aravalli hills, Shilpgram (literally "Crafts Village") hosts a ten-day cultural fest every December. The fair showcases tribal art, rural crafts, and traditional performances from Rajasthan and neighboring states. Artisans and weavers demonstrate their skills live, offering a peek into their intricate processes. Folk musicians, dancers, and puppet shows add rhythm to the fairground. It’s a great platform for both artists and visitors to engage with India’s folk traditions.

3. Dilli Haat – New Delhi

Where & When: INA, New Delhi | Year-round (with rotating exhibitions)

More permanent than a typical mela, Dilli Haat functions like an open-air bazaar featuring curated handicrafts, handlooms, and cuisines from various Indian states. Rotating stalls give artisans from different regions a platform to sell their work. While it’s open all year, special art & crafts exhibitions and festivals are held around national holidays and cultural celebrations. Visitors love the mix of shopping, food, and cultural performances—all in one space.

4. Crafts Mela at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival – Maharashtra

Where & When: Mumbai | February (9 days, dates vary)

Held in Mumbai’s artsy Kala Ghoda district, this festival includes a dedicated Crafts Mela as part of its broader celebration of arts. The mela brings together artisans, indie designers, NGOs, and cooperatives offering everything from hand-painted pottery to eco-friendly apparel. Alongside crafts, the festival hosts visual art installations, workshops, literary events, and street performances. It’s urban, vibrant, and deeply rooted in India’s creative spirit.

5. Gandhi Shilp Bazaar – Various Cities

Where & When: Multiple cities across India | Held throughout the year

Organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Government of India, the Gandhi Shilp Bazaar is a series of fairs promoting rural and tribal artisans. Held in different cities across India, these melas highlight handmade goods such as pottery, jewelry, wooden artifacts, carpets, and more. Entry is usually free, making it widely accessible. These bazaars offer a direct platform for artisans to earn, while also educating the public on India’s rich craft legacy.

6. Hastshilp Mela – Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Where & When: Bhopal | December (typically early to mid-December)

Hosted at the vibrant Gauhar Mahal in Bhopal, the Hastshilp Mela is a celebration of handicrafts and handlooms from all over India. Set against the backdrop of a Mughal-era palace, the event is a sensory delight. Shoppers can explore rare tribal art, textile weaves, jewelry, and décor items. The ambiance is further enriched by local cuisine stalls and live cultural performances. It’s especially popular among art students and craft collectors.

7. Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival – Kerala

Where & When: Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village, Kozhikode | December (last week)

This international festival is hosted at Kerala’s first arts and crafts village in Iringal, Kozhikode. Drawing artisans from India and abroad, the event fosters cultural exchange and creative dialogue. Besides craft stalls, the mela features artisan workshops, traditional art demos, and interactive sessions with master craftsmen. Set by the scenic backwaters, it’s a serene yet lively event that blends Kerala’s hospitality with global craftsmanship.

8. Taj Mahotsav – Uttar Pradesh

Where & When: Shilpgram, near the Taj Mahal, Agra | February (18th to 27th)

Taj Mahotsav is a grand ten-day festival celebrating India’s art, craft, cuisine, music, and dance. While the Taj Mahal remains the iconic backdrop, this fair draws visitors with its folk performances, traditional delicacies, and a wide range of handcrafted goods. From Banarasi silk to tribal jewelry, there’s something from nearly every corner of India. The mela also includes a funfair for children, making it a family-friendly cultural outing.