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Chandigarh (Haryana) : The Surajkund Crafts Mela, an internationally-acclaimed annual showcase of Indian crafts and culture, got off to a colourful start here on Feb 1. The fair, which will continue till Feb 15, was inaugurated by Vice President Hamid Ansari.
A traditional Rajasthani 'Shekhawati Gate' has been put up at the entrance of the fair since Rajasthan is the theme state. The gate was adorned a white marble look and the whole passage was made to showcase 'Ghat ki Ghuni', a popular passage on the Agra-Jaipur highway. The vice president went around the fair, accompanied by union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja, Haryana Governor Jagannath Pahadia, state Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
The ambassadors of Tajikistan, Egypt and Armenia and the minister counsellor (Commercial) in the Thai Embassy were also present on the occasion. Several countries are also participating in the event, which attracts thousands of people from within the country and abroad. Besides, all member-countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Tajikistan, Egypt and Afghanistan are also participating in the fair this year.
Over 400 craftspersons from India, 31 artisans from other countries, hundreds of folk artists and dancers from far-flung areas of rural India and dance troupes from Tajikistan, Egypt and Thailand are here for the event. Of the participants from 23 states, many are national award winners in their respective crafts. Hooda said that the fair has not only promoted various arts and crafts, but has also provided an international market to boost the sale of handicrafts and artefacts.
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