Living away from my grandparents in a nuclear family, I often felt disconnected from the true essence of festivals. Visiting Diwali melas helped me rediscover the festive spirit, joy, and traditions that bring me closer to my roots.
The best Diwali melas in Delhi include the Diwali Bazaar by the Blind School, Festival of Lights by Dastkar, and Sunder Nursery Diwali Mela to support good causes. Visit Meri Dilli Utsav, Surajkund Diwali Mela, Diwali Utsav for live shows, and The Diwali Edit at CyberHub for high-end gift shopping.
More than just shopping and delicious food, these Diwali melas offer experiences that transport you back to the warmth and nostalgia of your hometown.
Which Diwali Melas in Delhi Should you Visit and Why?
1. (Diwali Bazaar) Blind School Diwali Mela
This mela is organized every year during the Diwali season by the Blind Relief Association.
This is an NGO that works towards the rehabilitation and social as well as educational upliftment of the visually challenged.
The mela is usually held on Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg near the Oberoi Hotel, where the NGO is located.
You can find numerous stalls featuring unique handicrafts made by visually impaired individuals, collections of clothing and accessories, spices, delicious food and drinks, special gift packages, and much more.
However, you can’t expect amusement park-style rides here, as this mela is more like a festive market meant for Diwali shopping.
Why Visit This Mela?
- The best reason to visit this mela is to support a noble cause.
- It’s a one-stop destination for all your festive needs, as almost everything related to Diwali is available here.
- Free entry
Timings: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (1 or 2 weeks before Diwali)
Cost: Free Entry
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line)
2. Festival of Lights (Dastkar)
The Festival of Lights Diwali Mela is organized every year by Dastkar, a society that works for the economic upliftment of Indian artisans and aims to revive traditional Indian art and craft.
This society has been organizing Diwali melas for the past 13 years. Every year, artisans from across India bring their crafts to showcase at this mela.
They offer festive crafts, handloom textiles, home décor items, lamps, organic wellness products, accessories, and much more.
You can also enjoy various cultural performances happening throughout the event. This mela usually takes place at Dastkar, Andheria Modh, and the entry fee is just ₹40.
Again, in this mela, you won’t find amusement park-type rides, as it is also more like a seasonal market focused on festive shopping and traditional crafts.
If you’re looking for party vibes, do check out my article on the best Diwali parties in Delhi.
Why Visit This Mela?
- To get acquainted with unique Indian handicrafts.
- To support Indian artisans.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (1 or 2 weeks before Diwali)
Cost: Entry Fee ₹40
Nearest Metro Station: Chattarpur (Yellow Line)
3. Meri Dilli Utsav
This Diwali mela is organized every year by the HJ Group during the weekend before Diwali. It is mostly held at Dilli Haat, Pitampura.
Here, you can find a wide variety of stalls offering decorative items, clothing, accessories, food, henna, tattoos, and much more.
In addition to these, there are live performances such as music shows, folk dances, and magic shows. You can also find a play area with activities like bungee jumping and rides for kids.
Tickets for the mela can be purchased on the spot inside Dilli Haat, Pitampura.
For businesses, the organizers announce stall booking details on their Instagram page/ Website well in advance of the event.
Why Visit This Mela?
- For live performances.
- For unique experiences like henna art, tattoos, and fun rides for kids.
Timings: Till the time Dilli Haat is open (Weekend before Diwali)
Cost: Entry Fee ₹10-₹20
Nearest Metro Station: Netaji Subhash Place (Red Line)
4. Surajkund Diwali Mela
The Haryana Tourism Department has been organizing this mela since 2023. This mela showcases handicrafts created by local artisans, with over 500 stalls set up for visitors.
You can shop for clothes, jewelry, accessories, decorative items, and much more. There are also numerous food stalls offering delicious local delicacies.
In addition, prominent artists perform at the mela, featuring culturally rich performances like Kathak and live music shows. You’ll also find several colorful corners perfect for clicking amazing pictures.
For visitors’ convenience, the Haryana Tourism Department has made ticket booking simple. You can book your tickets online before your visit. Students can avail half-price entry by showing a valid institutional ID.
Why Visit This Mela?
- To enjoy cultural performances.
- To explore unique handicrafts made by local artisans.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (1 or 2 weeks before Diwali)
Cost: Entry Fee ₹100 (50% off for students with ID)
Nearest Metro Station: Badarpur Border (Violet Line) – You can take an auto from the metro station to the venue.
5. Sunder Nursery Diwali Mela
Every year, a Diwali mela is organized inside Sunder Nursery, usually for a day, on the first or second weekend before Diwali.
You can find various planet-friendly brands setting up their stalls here, making it a great choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly Diwali celebration.
Different types of workshops such as lantern making, diya making, and rangoli making are also conducted here. For these workshops, you need to register separately on Sunder Nursery’s official website.
In addition to that, events like folk music performances, infotainment sessions, and storytelling sessions take place throughout the day.
You can also explore live food counters and a variety of stalls. In the morning, group walks are organized for visitors as well.
Why Visit This Mela?
- For an eco-friendly Diwali experience.
- To participate in unique group workshops.
Timings: Vary every year (1st or 2nd weekend before Diwali)
Cost: Varies every year (Tickets available on Sunder Nursery’s official website)
Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line) – You can take an auto from the metro station to the venue.
6. The Diwali Edit (DLF CyberHub, Gurugram)
This Diwali mela has been held for a couple of years now at DLF CyberHub. Here, you’ll mostly find premium gifting items such as hampers.
Although there aren’t any clothing stalls, you can explore products like jewelry, candles, home décor, sweets, and perfumes.
This mela is a perfect choice if you’re looking to shop for high-end gifts for your friends and family. It usually runs for 2 to 3 weeks before Diwali and continues until 3-4 days prior to the festival.
Why Visit This Mela?
- For high-end Diwali gift shopping.
Timings: Vary every year (2 or 3 weeks before Diwali)
Cost: Free Entry (However, it is advisable to check the official Instagram page of DLF CyberHub for precise details)
Nearest Metro Station: IndusInd Bank Cyber City (Rapid Metro Line)
7. Diwali Utsav (Noida Haat)
Noida Haat organizes a Diwali mela where artisans from across India come together to showcase unique handicrafts. If you’re looking to experience traditional cultural vibes, this is the place to be.
You can find traditional textiles, home décor, and authentic crafts that truly represent India’s heritage.
You can find a wide range of items such as earthen vessels, lamps, and Indian textile prints like Kalamkari and Bandhani. Beautiful home décor pieces like Madhubani paintings can also be seen here.
Apart from that, there are numerous stalls offering mouth-watering local delicacies. If you want to buy sweets and gifts for your friends and family, this would be an ideal spot.
The mela also features live cultural dance performances and folk music shows. Special DIY workshops, such as diya painting, are organized, and there are fun activities for kids as well.
Why Visit This Mela?
- For traditional Indian art pieces like clothing and paintings.
- For special workshops and live cultural performances.
Timings: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM (1 or 2 weeks before Diwali)
Cost: Free Entry (However, it is advisable to check the official Instagram page of Noida Haat for more details)
Nearest Metro Station: Wave City Centre Noida (Blue Line) – Take a rickshaw from the metro station to the venue.
