✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: The National Craft Mela is a ~10-day handicrafts festival at Kalagram, Mani Majra, usually held from late November into early December, organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration, with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC). The 15th edition ran 28 November – 7 December 2025. The 16th edition (2026) hadn’t been officially announced as of this update — check Chandigarh Tourism or NZCC (North Zone Cultural Centre) announcements closer to the date. Entry is nominal, typically ₹30–50.
Kalagram is Chandigarh’s dedicated crafts village, and the National Craft Mela is when it’s at its busiest — artisans from across India set up stalls, live craft demonstrations run all day, and evening “Star Nights” bring touring performers to the grounds. It’s one of the bigger cultural events on the city’s calendar, organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs with NZCC rather than a private organiser.
2026 Edition: Date & Venue
Expected timing: November/December 2026. The 16th edition is tentatively listed in the NZCC calendar; exact dates are not yet announced.
Venue: Kalagram, Mani Majra, Chandigarh.
Typical timings: 11 AM – 10 PM, with Star Night performances in the evening.
Entry: nominal, typically ₹30–50 per person.
The 15th edition (the most recent, 28 November – 7 December 2025) ran a full Star Night line-up with a different performer each evening — Amandeep Singh, Kanwar Grewal, Sudesh Bhosale, Mame Khan and Amrit Maan among them — a good indicator of the calibre the Mela typically brings, though the 16th edition’s own line-up hasn’t been announced.
What to Expect
- Handicraft stalls — handlooms, pottery, tribal art, metal craft, wooden décor, embroidery and handmade jewellery from artisans across India.
- Live craft demonstrations — watch weaving, pottery and other crafts made in real time, with a chance to talk to the artisans directly.
- Folk dance & music — daily performances spanning Bhangra, Giddha, Rajasthani folk and Sufi singing.
- Food court — Punjabi, Rajasthani and South Indian regional cuisine alongside street food and sweets.
- Star Nights — a different headline performer most evenings through the Mela’s run.
Visitor Tips
- Carry cash — not every artisan stall accepts digital payments.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the Kalagram grounds are large and mostly outdoor.
- Evenings are when Star Night performances happen, so plan for a later visit if that’s the draw for you.
- Weekends get busiest — go early if you want to browse stalls without a crowd.
- Try regional food you might not otherwise find in Chandigarh — makki di roti and Rajasthani dal bati are both usually on offer.
When is the National Craft Mela in Chandigarh 2026?
Not officially announced as of this update. Based on the 15th edition (28 November – 7 December 2025), the 16th edition is tentatively listed for November/December 2026 in the NZCC calendar. Check NZCC or Chandigarh Tourism for exact dates.
Where is the National Craft Mela held?
At Kalagram, Chandigarh’s dedicated crafts village in Mani Majra.
How much does entry cost?
Entry is nominal, typically in the ₹30–50 range based on recent editions.
Who organises the National Craft Mela?
The Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration, together with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), which runs Kalagram. Chandigarh Tourism lists and promotes it.
The National Craft Mela is a genuine showcase of Indian handicrafts rather than a generic fair — worth the trip if you want to buy handmade goods directly from artisans rather than a middleman. Confirm the 2026 dates in November before planning your visit.
