Faridabad, January 27:Haryana’s Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, announced that the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair will be celebrated in a more attractive manner from February 7 to 23 in Faridabad. This year, the fair will take the form of a “Craft Mahakumbh,” where artisans from across the globe will showcase their creative craftsmanship.
Dr. Sharma reviewed preparations for the international fair in a meeting with Haryana Tourism Corporation and district officials at the Rajhans Hotel auditorium in Surajkund on Monday. Food and Supplies Minister Rajesh Nagar accompanied him on a tour of the fair premises to inspect the arrangements. Haryana Tourism Corporation Principal Secretary Kala Ramachandran welcomed the ministers.
Dr. Sharma emphasized Haryana’s cultural and historical legacy, highlighting that the Surajkund Crafts Fair, initiated in 1987 to provide artisans with a prestigious platform, has now gained global recognition. He proudly stated that this fair is the world’s largest crafts fair.
The minister also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working tirelessly to strengthen national unity and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is personally overseeing the fair’s preparations. The district administration is actively working to make the fair a grand success.
Digital Integration and Global Participation:
Dr. Sharma revealed that the fair has been digitized this year, with stall bookings conducted online for the first time to ensure complete transparency. A dedicated website, *surajkundmela.com.in*, will provide detailed information about the fair.
The 38th edition of the fair will feature Odisha and Madhya Pradesh as theme states, with BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—participating as partners. The North East Handloom and Handicraft Association will serve as the cultural partner, while Delhi Metro will be the ticketing partner.
Inauguration and Invitations:
Dr. Sharma informed that Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has been invited to inaugurate the fair, while Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will be a distinguished guest at the opening ceremony. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been invited as the chief guest for the closing ceremony.
The fair is expected to attract millions of visitors daily, including dignitaries such as state chief ministers, central ministers, and international representatives, showcasing the exceptional talents of artisans.
Key Instructions for Officials:
Dr. Sharma instructed officials to ensure proper cleanliness, security, and transportation arrangements for the fair. He emphasized timely execution of all necessary preparations by respective departments.
Present at the meeting were Deputy Commissioner Vikram Singh, Police Commissioner Satendra Kumar Gupta, Haryana Tourism Corporation MD Sunil Kumar, DCP Headquarters Abhishek Jorwal, DCP Jasleen Kaur, DCP Kuldeep Singh, SDM Amit Mann, CTM Ankit Kumar, Fair Manager U.S. Bhardwaj, AGM Harvinder Yadav, and other officials.
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