Chandigarh, January 28:- Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Shilp Mahotsav will make a strong impact on the world's cultural and tourism map. With the aim of taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Atmanirbhar Bharat concept to the next level, this Shilp Mahotsav will strengthen the cultural heritage of national and international artists, artisans and weavers and will give a new impetus to trade and commercial activities. The basic mantra for this will be the identity of a self-reliant India from local to global.
Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma today addressed a press conference at his office in Haryana Civil Secretariat regarding the preparations for the 39th Surajkund International Self-reliant Crafts Mahotsav along with the Commissioner and Secretary of the department Dr. Amit Kumar Agarwal and Director Tourism Mr. Partha Gupta. Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that on January 31, the Vice President of the country Mr. C. P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the Crafts Mahakumbh at Surajkund in Faridabad, while Union Tourism Minister Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini will attend as special guests. He said that the 16-day long Crafts Mahotsav will conclude on February 15, in which Governor Professor Asim Kumar Ghosh will be the chief guest.
Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Self-Reliant Crafts Festival is not just an event, but a celebration of India's cultural unity, craft skills and the spirit of the idea of ??self-reliance. He said that this event will live up to the commitment of preserving the heritage of the state of Haryana, sustainable livelihood of promising artisans and international cultural alliance.
He said that Egypt, as the partner nation, will attract tourists with its ancient art and culture in the Crafts Festival for the fourth time, while the rich cultural and folk arts of the theme states Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya will be showcased in the fair premises. He informed that last year 635 participants from 44 countries showcased their talents, while this year about 800 participants from more than 50 countries will participate.
Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that more than 1200 stalls have been allotted for exhibition and sale of national and international weavers, artisans and traditional crafts in the Shilp Mahotsav. He said that many renowned artists including Padma Shri Kailash Khair, Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, Padma Shri Mahavir Guddu will give their performances. To keep the old traditions of Haryanvi culture and folk art alive, state artists will give performances on various platforms, which will also include traditional instruments like Iktara, Sarangi and Dheru. He said that keeping in mind the increasing tourist traffic every year, an amount of about Rs. 5.5 crore has been spent on infrastructure development in the fair premises. This includes beautification of the fair premises, widening of the mangs, construction of 127 new huts, renovation of old huts and expansion of the swing area.
Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma also expressed grief over the sudden demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Anil Panwar in a crash landing.
In the press conference, Commissioner and Secretary of the Heritage and Tourism Department Dr. Amit Kumar Agarwal said that the Surajkund International Handicraft Fair is not just a fair, but an event with national and international identity. Artisans from all over the country participate in this fair and it has wide participation at the international level as well. He said that there is a constant demand and diversity of craft products in the fair.
Dr. Amit Kumar Agarwal said that the Surajkund Fair is not organized for any commercial purpose, but to promote the artisans and their craft. This event strengthens self-reliance, increases production capacity and realizes the concept of local to global by providing a global platform to local products.