Surajkund Mela likely to be held twice in year

 CHANDIGARH, FEB 2
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the much awaited annual event which offers a global amalgam of the art, crafts and culture of different states and participating countries, may now be held twice a year. The duration of the event has this time been extended from 14 days to 16 days.
          This was hinted by the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal, who presided over inauguration of the 32nd edition of the Mela by the UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, at Surajkund in Faridabad District today. This feast for the connoisseurs of art, crafts and culture will conclude on Feb 18, 2018.
       Speaking on the occasion, Mr Manohar Lal said such Melas should be organised to strengthen relations with neighbouring states. This year, more than 1,000 artists, artisans and craftsmen are participating in the Mela. Being the theme state, UP would remain the centre of attraction at the Mela.
   People would get to see culture and art of about 28 countries at the Mela. Kyrgyzstan, famous for its lakes, is participating in the Mela as a partner country. Six Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between Kyrgyzstan and India for promoting tourism, agriculture and other sectors. Besides, a transport agreement has been signed between UP and Haryana, he added.
       Speaking after inaugurating the Mela, Yogi Adityanath said he was happy that UP had been chosen as the theme state of this Mela for which he thanked Mr Manohar Lal and the Haryana Government. The Surajkund Mela provides a platform to folk artists, craftsmen and artisans for cultural exchange.
       Welcoming the partner country Kyrgyzstan and people from other countries at the Mela, the UP Chief Minister said the Mela had scaled new heights under the leadership of Mr Manohar Lal. The number of stalls has been increased besides its duration.   
       He said the Haryana Government was considering a proposal to organise such Melas twice a year to provide opportunities to artists, craftsmen and artisans. Prominent places of UP, including Mathura, Vrindavan, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, ghats of Kashi and other famous places have been highlighted at the Mela.
        India has always been known for its cultural unity and integrity, and there were no cultural barriers in the country. In 2019, a Kumbh Mela would be organised at Prayagraj in which about 15 crore pilgrims would participate, including pilgrims from Haryana, Mr Yogi Adityanath said.
      Earlier, Mr. Manohar Lal and Yogi Adityanath took a round of stalls and huts set up in the Mela
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