Next Surajkund fair to have Telangana as theme state

Chandigarh, Nov 18: Following the norm of selecting one Indian state every year, Telangana has been selected as the theme state for the 30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela scheduled to be organised from February 1 to 15 next.

The novelty of the annual event is the one Indian state gets the honour to occupy the position of the theme state, Haryana's Principal Secretary, Tourism, Sumita Misra said here today.

She said the theme state was conceptualized broadly with a view to promote and focus on art, craft and cuisine of Indian states.

Misra said that the Mela provides a rare opportunity to the theme state to showcase its handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, cuisine and its tourist potential to a vast cross-section of people.

"The Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers a lifetime experience where one explores an exquisite mix of thatched huts, folk songs, flamboyant colours, ornate crafts and aroma of different cuisines," the principal secretary said.

Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation Vikas Yadav said that Telangana's diverse crafts and dance forms will offer a veritable treat to visitors.

He said that Telangana's historical designs on cloth and folk and traditional arts are well-known and have been passed down to generations of artisans and weavers.

Yadav said that the skilled craftspersons, talented artistes and expert master chefs from the state will also participate in the Mela.

Also, an ethnic ambiance representing the state's rural ethos will be created on the Mela grounds, he said.

PTI