Sonia inaugurates Surajkund mela

Surajkund, Faridabad, Feb 1 (UNI) UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today inaugurated the 21st Surajkund Crafts Mela here amid the reverberating sounds of drum beats and folk music.

Attired in a turqoise silk saree, Ms Gandhi was welcomed at the Charminar Gate, the structure erected by the Theme state of Andhra Pradesh, with garlands and and presented a brocade shawl.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Minister of State for Tourism, Haryana, Kiran Choudhry welcomed her with a bouquet of lilies.

Ms Gandhi mingled with the tribal dancers from Andhra Pradesh even and danced with them for a while.

Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni escorted Ms Gandhi inside the mela area and Dr J Geeta Reddy, Minister of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, introduced her to the assembled National and State awardees.

The UPA Chairperson appreciated the rural ambience and idyllic village settings of the mela.

The 15-day mela, spread over 25 acres of land, showcases the cultural diversity of the country and also has an international flavour with Thailand, South Africa and SAARC countries participating in it.

The Mela has, over the years, gained sustainability. It has helped Haryana economically and also generated long-term employment.

Over 320 national and state award-winning artisans from 22 states are showcasing their works in the Mela including Indian handloom and handicraft, besides the cuisines and delicacies on offer from different parts of India and abroad.

''Mehndiwalas'', magicians, ''bazigars'' and nats are displaying their craft in the mela.

The Centre has decided to have events on the lines of the Surajkund Crafts Mela in other parts of the country as well. In the first phase, Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar, Gwalior and Hyderabad will be covered.

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

UNI