Sonia to inaugurate 21st Surajkund Crafts Mela

New Delhi, Jan 30: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will inauguratethe 21st Surajkund Crafts Mela on February 1, where over 350craftspeople, including those from SAARC countries, will showcase theirskills.

The annual 15-day festival this year will present Andhra Pradeshas the theme state, besides crafts from Thailand, Haryana TourismMinister Kiran Choudhry told a news conference.

''The mela aims not only at providing entertainment but alsomaking it a learning experience for visitors, craftspeople anddesigners,'' she said.

Ms Choudhry said the exporter-craftsmen meet for exploring thepossibility and potential in export will be highlight of the event.

''Concerted efforts will be made to improve the export potential of crafts by systematic follow up,'' she added.

Organised by the Haryana Tourism and the Union Tourism andTextiles Ministries, the festival will also include a kite flyingcompetition, painting competition to commemorate the 2550th year ofLord Buddha's Mahaparnirvana, designer workshops, folk dances andtheatre performances.

''Surajkund Mela has become an internationally-recognised eventwhich showcases the finest handlooms and handicrafts,'' Ms Choudhrysaid.

The Minister said the governments of Maharashtra, Orissa andAndhra Pradesh had sought assistance from Haryana to set up festivalson the lines of Surajkund Mela in their states.

The food court at the festival this year will offer Thai cuisine besides the culinary delights from across the country.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Ambika Soni and Haryana ChiefMinister Bhupinder Hooda will be the guests of honour at theinauguration ceremony of the festival.

UNI
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