Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Amar Kumar Bauri called upon various States and Union Territories to visit Jharkhand and get acquainted with its rich diversities in the field of art, culture, tourism, heritage and host of other natural beauties. While visiting various stalls at 31st ‘Surajkund International Crafts Mela’ which began here in Surajkund on Wednesday having Jharkhand as ‘Theme State’, the Minister asserted that Mela has provided the state a unique opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage to the rest of India and various other parts of the globe.
“Jharkhand has tried to showcase all its strength in terms of art and culture and religious supremacy in the Mela. Some of the prominent ones include Maluti Temple located in Santhal Pergana which has got prominence as commemorative structures of the state due to its social connect with the people of Jharkhand,” said Bauri. He also thanked and expressed his gratitude towards Ministry of Tourism, Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism for offering the opportunity to the State for becoming a ‘Theme’ State.
Bauri during his visit greeted everyone and pointed out that Surjakund played an important role in showcasing the rich culture, tradition, language and food to the world.
“The day when it became a State was very auspicious as it was the birth date of Birsa Munda. Jharkhand could not have showcased its rich culture and the language to the world earlier, but with the help of Surajkund Mela, for the first time this State has been able to let everyone know about its culture, tradition, language and food,” said Bauri. Surajkund played an important role in the exposure of Jharkhand, he added.
The Minister also expected that with State’s exposure at Surajkund, it would become a foremost tourist destination in India attracting large number of tourists from all over the Country.
The 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela began here from Wednesday with over 20 countries participating in it with Egypt as a partner country this year and Jharkhand as the theme state. Every year, one country becomes the partner country and an Indian state is selected to set the theme of the Mela.
The ‘Surajkund Crafts Mela’ was upgraded to an international level in the year 2013. More than 20 countries are participating in the Mela, which also includes Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Tunisia, Mongolia and South Africa, which are the first timers.
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry is facilitating the Government of Jharkhand through the Administration of Haryana Tourism to provide visibility to Jharkhand effectively in the Mela with all its products, arts, culture, cuisine, artisans and artists, performers at the carnival and cultural programs and services in an effective manner.