SARAS Mela, to promote the Punjabi culture and tradition, is all set to kick start from Thursday in Sangrur.
Organized by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and Punjab’s Rural Development and Panchayat Department with the help of District Administration, the Mela would witness the participation of more than 500 artisans and artists of 25 States.
“Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would formally inaugurate the SARAS Mela at Government Ranbir College Ground in Sangrur,” said Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra, adding that besides promoting Punjabi culture and tradition, the Mela aimed at uplifting the economic standards of handicraft artisans and folk artists.
The Minister said that more than 500 artisans and artists of 25 States would participate in the Mela. “Around 180 stalls for sale-cum-exhibition of various articles and goods, embroidery works, comprising handicraft, clothes, pottery, wood work, among other things has been put up,” he added.
Rakhra said that Punjab Government has decided to organize folk festivals in line with SARAS Mela to promote Punjabi culture and tradition besides uplifting the economic standards of handicraft artisans and folk artists.
“The success of SARAS Mela implied that these festivals still have relevance in the modern society,” he said, while adding that the previous year, more than 1.75 lakh people participated in the Mela, with the financial transaction of Rs 1.75 core in the field of trade at Patiala.
“Punjab Government has generated all its resources to make this tradition a success. This fair would go a long way to promote tourism in the state,” he added.