Surajkund Crafts Mela to have international zing

Surajkund, Faridabad, Jan 31 (UNI) The 21st Surajkund Crafts Mela beginning here tomorrow will not only showcase cultural diversity of incredible India but will also have an international savour with Thailand, South Africa and SAARC countries participating in it.

This year round, Andhra Pradesh is the theme state at the Surajkund Mela. ''Andhra was chosen for its rich cultural heritage and vibrance, its artefacts are famous all over the world, especially its silk sarees...the land has great artisans and artistes,'' said Mr Sanjay Kothari, Additional Director General, Union Ministry of Tourism, while addressing a news conference here today.

The Mela has, over the years, gained sustainability. It has not only helped Haryana Government in GDP growth but has also generated long-term employment, Mr Kothari said.

This year 350 national and state award-winning artisans from 22 states will be showcasing their expertises in the Mela. Best of Indian handloom and handicraft will be on display besides cuisines and delicacies from India and abroad, he said.

''Our effort has always been to revive Indian art and culture, therefore, you will see mehndiwalas, magicians, bazigars and nats displaying their work,'' he added.

On the lines of Surajkund Crafts Mela, the Centre has decided to replicate the effort in other parts of the country as well. In its first phase, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Gwalior and Hyderabad will be covered, informed Amitabh Kant, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism.

Further adding that tourism is at boom in India and Haryana will also be developed as a tourist destination, he said the government is looking out for possibilities to promote Haryana as a tourist destination.

''International participation for the second consecutive year is aimed at the opportunities that our artisans will get by interacting with their counterparts from different parts of the world. We have organised a Exporter-Craftsmen meet wherein officials of Export Promotion Council, Union Ministry of Textiles, will coordinate interaction of exporters with the craftsmen for exploring the posibility of export of their goods,'' Mr Kant informed.

Apart from this, other highlights of the Mela will be classical dance performances by three renowned Padamshree danseuses-Saroja Vaidyanathan, Shoba Naidu and Shovana Narayanan on February 7, 10 and 14, respectively.

Singing sensation little master Diwakar Sharma will perform on February 4. Folk dances from South Africa will hog the limelight on February 3.

Indian flavor will dominate the Mela as performers like jugglers, drummers, puppet show men and folk dances like siddi goma of Gujrat, Kal Belia, Tera Taal of Rajasthan, Giddha of Punjab will take part.

The Mela will be inaugurated by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Ambika Soni will preside over it, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda will be the guest of honour and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Geeta Naidu will be present at the inauguration ceremony.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela is organised every year from February 1 to 15 by the Haryana Government in association with Union Ministry of Tourism.

The entry fee on weekdays is Rs 25 and Rs 30 on weekends.

UNI