Surajkund: The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated today with much fanfare, celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the festival, which will run from February 7 to February 23 in Surajkund, Faridabad.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar, and Minister of State for Sports.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the significance of the Surajkund Mela in promoting India’s artistic heritage. He emphasized that India is currently hosting two major global events—the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela—both of which highlight the country’s cultural unity and artistic excellence.
“This Mela is not just a marketplace for crafts but a significant platform for artisans to showcase their ancient skills. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat is being realized through such initiatives,” Shekhawat said.
He further noted that in the last decade, India has shed its old image of poverty and underdevelopment, with 25 crore people lifted out of poverty through welfare schemes implemented at the grassroots level. Today, India stands as the fastest-growing economy, attracting global attention in trade, tourism, and the arts.
The Union Minister also spoke about Haryana’s potential to become a hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, given its proximity to Delhi. He encouraged the state to leverage this advantage by expanding Surajkund Mela’s reach through digital marketing.
“Inviting YouTubers, photographers, and social media influencers to cover the Mela could significantly enhance its global appeal and provide artisans with new business opportunities,” he suggested.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini praised Surajkund Mela’s evolution into a symbol of India’s cultural identity and a representation of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family). He highlighted the Mela’s role in promoting Indian arts, crafts, and heritage to the global audience.
He extended his best wishes to the Haryana Tourism Department, the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Surajkund Mela Authority for their efforts in successfully organizing this international cultural extravaganza.
With artisans from across India and the world showcasing their craftsmanship, the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela is set to captivate visitors with its vibrant displays, traditional performances, and global cultural exchange.
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