Haryana govt mulls holding Surajkund fair twice a year

Talks are underway to host the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela twice a year — in the spring season and before the onset of winter — with an aim to promote craftsmanship, said officials from the district administration in Faridabad

Talks are underway to host the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela twice a year — in the spring season and before the onset of winter — with an aim to promote craftsmanship, said officials from the district administration in Faridabad.

Gurgaon, India- February 13: A view of 31 Surajkund International craft fair. The mela is organized by the Surajkund Mela authority and haryna Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. The state of Jharkhand has been chosen to be the Theme State. At least 20 countries & all the states of India will be participate in the Mela. (Photo by Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)

Officials managing this year’s Surajkund mela said that meetings will take place next month after the fair is over to discuss holding it again in the month of November.

Rajesh Joon, a tourism officer in the district administration said, “Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced that the Surajkund fair will be conducted in the month of November too. We will meet with all the officials concerned next month after the 35th edition of the fair is completed successfully.”

Joon further said, “At present, we are focusing on the upcoming fair, which will begin from March 19, and preparations will be complete by the end of this week. The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is the theme state in this year’s fair and they are participating in the event after a gap of 22 years. Visitors can expect a vibrant fair with rich culture of the region on display after a gap of two years. The fair will be on till April 4.”

Chief minister Khattar while presenting the state budget for the financial year 2022-23, had said, “The Surajkund International Crafts Mela showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric of India and is undoubtedly the largest crafts fair in the world. However, the site of the mela is used for only 15 days in a year.”

Khattar further said, “The Haryana government has plans to use the infrastructure at the mela site by hosting another fair in the month of November and provide a platform to artists, artisans and craftsmen”.

District officials said that 24 countries have already confirmed their participation in this year’s fair and the number is expected to rise to 30. The annual fair in Faridabad was last held in 2020, days before the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of the fair, a sound and light show and Bhakti music festival will also be organised in this year’s fair, said officials.

The Surajkund fair is an annual event where stalls showcasing a wide variety of handicrafts, cuisines and apparels from several countries attract thousands of visitors on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, in a bid to promote the heritage of Haryana, the state government has started a project for setting up ‘heritage corners’ in 100 government schools to create awareness among students.

The state government has also allocated ₹310.24 crore for promoting tourism, archaeology, art and culture in the present budget.