President to inaugurate Surajkund International Crafts Mela

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, JAN 31

As the fortnight long 27^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be inaugurated on February 2 at Surajkund in district Faridabad, apart from participation of several countries, 300 crafts persons, weavers, artisans, folk musicians and dancers would participate from the theme State of Karnataka.

        While stating this here today, an official spokesman said that the Mela will be inaugurated by the President, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of Haryana Governor, Mr. Jagannath Pahadia, Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Minister of Tourism of the Theme State - Karnataka, Mr. Anand Singh and many other dignitaries.

        He said that keeping in view the record participation of 12 countries in the last year’s mela, it has now been upgraded as International Crafts Mela. This year also, the countries that have confirmed their participation are Rwanda, Guinea, Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Addis Ababa, Congo and Egypt of the African continent. Also, Eurasian countries namely Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and SAARC nations namely Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan would participate. Thailand and Peru would also participate, he added.

        He said that more than 300 craftspersons, weavers, artisans, folk musicians and dancers from Karnataka would participate in this mela. He said that Karnataka is one of the most vibrant southern states of India and has been chosen as Theme State for the second time after a gap of 18 years.

          As a corporate social responsibility initiative, the Surajkund Mela Authority will provide 50 per cent  rebate in the entry tickets to the differently-abled persons, senior citizens, serving soldiers and ex-servicemen. Similarly, free entry would be allowed to the freedom fighters. For the first time, Mela entry tickets are available on-line through e-ticketing onwww.haryanatourism.gov.in and off-line at all entry gates, he added.

         The mela will remain open between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily till February 15.

        He said that Surajkund derives its name from the ancient amphitheatre Sun Pool constructed here in the 10^th century AD by Raja Suraj Pal one of the Tomar chieftains.