Patiala, February 20th: Deputy Commissioner Virjeet Walia held a meeting with Nodal Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Damanjit Singh Mann and other officials at the Sheesh Mahal to review the final touches being put in place for the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Mela, to be held from February 21st to March 2nd in the courtyard of the heritage building, Sheesh Mahal, in Patiala.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the craft mela, titled the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Mela, is being organized for the first time to provide a strong marketing platform at the government level to village-level self-help groups and women entrepreneurs, and in line with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's Rangla Punjab concept. He also extended an open invitation to visitors from Patiala and other districts to make the most of the fair.
Varjit Walia said that at the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Mela, famous singers Bobby Sidhu will perform on February 22, Harbhajan Mann on February 24, Gurlez Akhtar on February 26 and R Nait on March 2. More than 100 folk dance and folk art artists from more than a dozen states will perform at the North Regional Cultural Center, Patiala. In addition, handicrafts from more than 400 artisans from across the country will be displayed at around 200 stalls for visitors to purchase.
Speaking on the occasion, Damanjit Singh Mann said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, as part of the "Punjab Sakhi Shakti" initiative to promote self-help groups and women entrepreneurs for women empowerment in rural areas, the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Crafts Fair, organized by the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission and the Industries and Commerce Department under the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, will provide a platform for artisans from different states and abroad, including women from self-help groups, to sell their products.
ADC Mann further stated that during the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Crafts Fair, handicrafts made on metals, paintings, antique jewelry adorned with stones and enamel, textiles including Chikankari, Gujarati embroidery, glasswork, block printing, carpets, silk, phulkari, hand embroidery, art, zari, sojni, and many other beautiful fabrics will be on sale. Additionally, pottery will include Khujra pottery, Jaipur pottery, terracotta, ceramics, black pottery, painted pottery, Patiala, Basoli, and countless other items.
Twenty stalls offering delicious food and drinks have been set up for visitors, and swings and games have been arranged for children's entertainment. Competitions will be held for school and college students during the fair, with prizes awarded to the winners. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the responsibilities assigned to the committee members formed to organize the fair and directed them to ensure no laxity in preparations.
He expressed hope that the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Fair will become a major attraction for visitors, drawing visitors from the neighboring districts and beyond. Photo: File photo of Deputy Commissioner Varjit Walia and Sheesh Mahal, Patiala, reviewing the preparations for the fair.