Surajkund Mela 2013 to go international

The Surajkund Crafts Mela has been upgraded as an international event and will now be known as 'Surajkund International Crafts Mela' from next year. A decision to this effect was taken on the basis of a unanimous resolution passed in the 36th governing body of Surajkund Mela Authority on Wednesday.

The Surajkund Crafts Mela has been upgraded as an international event and will now be known as 'Surajkund International Crafts Mela' from next year. A decision to this effect was taken on the basis of a unanimous resolution passed in the 36th governing body of Surajkund Mela Authority on Wednesday.

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The idea behind this step is to popularise Indian art and craft globally and also to increase foreign footfall in the fortnight long mela, organised every year from February 1 to 15.

"The resolution was passed in view of the recorded participation of 12 nations in the Surajkund Crafts Mela, 2012," said Rajesh Joon, official spokesman for the mela.

The governing body meeting of Surajkund Mela Authority held under the chairmanship of Union tourism secretary, RH Khwaja has also decided to host an international conference on 'Tourism in Rural Areas' during the forthcoming mela in 2013. "The authority has decided to ensure advance awareness about the mela all over the world through Indian tourism offices and embassies," Joon said.

"Keeping in view the success of Surajkund Mela, it was decided that the possibility of hosting similar melas in other states such as Kerela, J&K, Varanasi," the spokesman said.