Delhi hosts numerous fairs and festivals every year. These melas, or fairs, showcase the cultural richness of the country while also providing entertainment and shopping options for Delhiites and tourists. This guide will help you explore different melas in Delhi, when they are set up and what they offer.
How to reach Delhi?
By air
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi is a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It has two terminals, Terminal 1D for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international flights. The airport is located in Palam, about 20 kilometres from the New Delhi city centre. Regular buses, metro services, and pre-paid taxis are available for transportation from the airport to the city centre.
By train
Delhi has four main railway stations: New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), Old Delhi Railway Station (DLI), Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM), and Anand Vihar Railway Terminal (ANVT). NDLS is the largest and busiest station. Pre-paid taxis and Delhi metro services offer convenient transportation options from these stations to various parts of the city.
By road
Delhi has a network of national highways linking it to the rest of North India. Some of the key highways are NH-1, NH-2, NH-8, NH-10 and NH-24 among others. One can easily drive down to Delhi or board state transport and private buses from nearby cities.
Popular melas in Delhi
Surajkund Crafts Mela
Location: Surajkund, Faridabad
Dates: Annual event in February over 2 weeks
Entry fee: Weekdays – Rs 120, Weekends – Rs 180
What it offers: Arts, crafts and textiles from India and abroad
This is one of the largest craft fairs in the world held at Surajkund in Haryana. It celebrates the richness of handicrafts from across India with each year dedicated to a specific state. The open-air mela has over a million visitors enjoying artefacts, apparel, ornaments and more from master craftsmen. Cultural performances also take place.
Garden Tourism Festival
Location: Garden of Five Senses, Said-Ul-Ajaib, New Delhi
Dates: February over 3 days
Entry fee: Free entry
What it offers: Flowers and landscape displays, music events
As the name suggests, this annual event brings together landscape designers, florists and gardening experts. It is hosted at the picturesque Garden of Five Senses with stalls selling flowers, plants and gardening accessories. There are also live demonstrations, competitions and music concerts for visitors to enjoy.
India International Trade Fair
Location: Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Delhi
Dates: November for 2 weeks
Entry fee: Weekdays – Rs 80, Weekends & Holidays – Rs 120
What it offers: Commercial products, state handicrafts and fare
India International Trade Fair is an exhibition with diverse commercial goods and enterprises. It portrays the industrial and economic growth of India through different state pavilions. From automobiles to electronics and home décor to accessories, it displays thousands of consumer brands and small-scale industries. Cultural performances and food stalls are a part of the event.
Blind School Diwali Mela
Location: Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, New Delhi
Dates: Early November for 1 week
Entry fee: Free
What it offers: Handicrafts, garments, home décor
This iconic community bazaar is hosted by the Blind Relief Association to empower visually impaired students. It offers a variety of products made by these talented children. Shop for Diwali gifts while supporting a noble cause.
Garden of Five Senses Spring Festival
Location: Garden of Five Senses, Said-Ul-Ajaib Village, New Delhi
Dates: March over 2 days
Entry fee: Rs 100
What it offers: Flowers, shopping, music, dance
Hosted only in the spring season, this lively festival takes place in the Garden of Five Senses. Marvel at floral arrangements and shops from 100 stalls selling plants, organic products and more. Folk artists and music bands lend festive vibes.
Dastkar Nature Bazaar
Location: Andheria Modh, Chhattarpur, New Delhi
Dates: Every weekend
Entry fee: Free
What it offers: Organic products, handicrafts
This Saturday bazaar brings together artisans from across India retailing homemade organic goods and handicraft items. Shop for natural skincare, jewellery, apparel, home linen while enjoying music and magic shows.
Mango Festival
Location: Dilli Haat, INA Market, New Delhi
Dates: June-July annually
Entry fee: Rs 30
What it offers: Mangoes, cultural programs
The Mango Festival offers a chance to relish numerous mango delicacies like shakes, pickles, pulps and more. Live cookery sessions educate on mango recipes. Song and dance routines complete this sweet summer celebration.
Where to stay in Delhi?
Hotel The Royal Plaza
Address: 19, Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Affordability: Luxury
Hotel Ibis New Delhi Aerocity
Address: Asset Area 4 Hospitality District Delhi Aerocity Near IGI Airport New Delhi
Affordability: Mid-range
BloomRooms
Address: 8591, Arakashan Road, Paharganj, near New Delhi Railway Station
Affordability: Budget
Stops Hostel
Address: 4/23-B, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi near Delhi Gate
Affordability: Backpacker dorms
Property price range in Delhi
Avg. price/sqft: ₹13,948
Price range / sqft: ₹600 to ₹1 Lakh
Source: housing.com
FAQs
What is the timing of melas in Delhi?
Delhi melas are usually open from morning 10 AM to around 10 PM daily.
What is the best time to visit these fairs?
The winter months from October to March are ideal to enjoy Delhi melas with pleasant weather conditions.
Which Delhi mela showcases handicrafts?
Surajkund International Crafts Mela highlights handicrafts and folk art from different Indian states and countries.
Where is the India International Trade Fair held?
It takes place at Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre in Delhi.
Which Delhi fair has flowers and gardening?
The annual Garden Tourism Festival in Delhi revolves around floriculture and landscape design.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
