Surajkund crafts mela from February 4

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 25

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2022, being organised in Faridabad, should be celebrated in such a grand and innovative manner that it leaves a lasting impression at the international level.

The fair, being organised on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, is scheduled to start from February 4 till February 20. The UK will be the partner country whereas Jammu and Kashmir will participate as the theme state.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting of officers in connection with the preparations for the Surajkund crafts mela on Friday. Tourism Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar was also present on the occasion.

A draft of the said fair was also presented in the presence of the CM. This time, tourists coming from across the country and abroad will be able to book online parking space through the “Surajkund Mela app”, which will be launched soon. Through this app, tourists will be able to find the location and direction. With advance booking, it will be easier to control the crowd and the data will also be managed well. Tourists will be allowed to enter the fair through a barcode.

Meanwhile, discussions were also held with the CM about inviting a VIP as the chief guest at the inauguration and closing ceremony of the mela. Khattar advised to continue the preparations for the fair while keeping in mind the Covid guidelines.

In the meeting, Tourism Department Principal Secretary MD Sinha said so far, 30 countries had agreed to participate in the mela. He said last time, around 12 lakh tourists had attended the fair and 1,200 stalls were set up by artisans.