Surajkund/ Alive News: Addressing a galaxy of mediapersons at the Chaupal, Surajkund Mela Ground, Faridabad, Mr. Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority stated that the 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2017 will be inaugurated by Mr. Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana on 1st February, 2017 at 11:30 AM in the august presence of Mr. Ram Bilas Sharma, Tourism, Hospitality, Education & Languages, Technical, Archeology & Museums Minister, Haryana. Amar Kumar Bauri, Hon’ble Tourism, Culture, Art, Sports, Youth Affairs, Revenue & Land Reforms Minister, Govt. of Jharkhand, his Excellency Hatem Tageldin, Ambassador of Egypt to India, Delhi. Mr. Krishan Pal, minister of state for social justice & empowerment, govt. of India, Mr. Vipul Goel, Industries Minister, Haryana, Smt. Seema Trikha, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism & Hospitality, Haryana. Mr. Jagdish Chopra, Chairman, Haryana Tourism Corp. Mr. Mool Chand Sharma, MLA, Ballabgarh and other distinguished dignitaries will also grace the occasion.
Meanwhile, addressing the mediapersons, Mr V.S Kundu, Addl, Chief Secretary, Tourism, Government of Haryana and Vice Chairman, Surajkund Mela has also helped in reviving the heritage attracting over a million visitors each year, the Mela has also helped in reviving the heritage crafts of India. This year, many new initiatives have been introduced like ‘BookMyShow’ offering online tickets for Mela, making Mela tickets available at Delhi Metro stations, special buses to Surajkund from different places, free ferry service from the surrounding areas to the fair site and more public conveniences. Mr. Kundu further added that they diligently took up the matter with the Archaeological Survey of India to keep the sunpool, an ancient monument, from which Surajkund derives its name, nice and tidy for the visitors to the Mela.
Similarly, Mr Sameer Pal Srow, managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation and Chief Administrator, Surajkund Mela Authority state that this year lot of enthusiasm is shown by the participants of foreign countries, which include participants from partner Nation- Egypt. There will be enthusiastic participation from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Afghanistan, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon and Tunisia. He further said Jharkhand is ‘Theme State’ of this year’s Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which is showcasing its unique culture and rich heritage in an impressive manner. Jharkhand has constructed a permanent commemorative structure, Maluti Temple Gate situated in Santhal Pergana Region in the Mela near main Chaupal. Besides this, there are five temporary gates displaying the state symbols of Jharkhand. Mr. Srow said about 300 artistes from Jharkhand will be performing famous folk arts like Chhau, Khaira, Karsa and Paika.
