Haryana Tourism Minister, Kanwar Pal on Wednesday said that Surajkund International Crafts Mela, to be held from February 1 to 16 will be inaugurated by the President Ram Nath Kovind on February 1.Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur and Ambassador of the Embassy of Uzbekistan Farhod Arziev will also be present on the occasion. He said that where the fair will have partner-country Uzbekistan, Himachal Pradesh will participate as a theme-state.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela was organized for the first time in the year 1987 to showcase the richness and diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and cultural heritage of India.Kanwar Pal said the Mela is organized jointly by the Surajkund Mela Authority, Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs and Government of Haryana. He informed that this craft fair helps thousands of artisans from all over India to show their art and products to the tourists extensively.
He said a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Surajkund Mela Authority and the British Council this year and the Surajkund Mela will host artists and craftsmen from England for the first time. In addition, more than 30 countries will be part of this fair.