For the promotion of Tourism, Cultural-Heritage, Cuisines and Himachali products, the Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh along with Industries Department, Language, Art and Culture and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is participating in the 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2020 as a "Theme State. R.D. Dhiman, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism and Civil Aviation today informed that this year Himachal Pradesh got the opportunity to showcase the tourism potential, cultural-heritage, handloom-handicrafts and other products of the state at an international level platform. The prestigious Surajkund International Crafts Mela is scheduled from 1st to 16th February, 2020 at Surajkund, Faridabad (Haryana).R.D. Dhiman further stated that as a 'Theme State' this time the Department has made all the necessary arrangements for showcasing Himachal Pradesh's traditional art and culture at one place for the national and international visitors. He said that during the 16 days Crafts Mela, there will be daily Himachali cultural performances at Mela ground, besides Himachali cultural night on 4th February, 2020. In addition, a Fashion Show will also be organized on 9th February, 2020 by Ritu Beri, a famous dress designer. 70 Artisans stalls are being put up for showcasing and selling of Himachal products. Himachali Food stall also being set up for serving variety of Himachali dishes during the fair.
Yunus, Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation informed that the Department of Tourism will publicize the State from tourism point of view through print and electronic media. He further added that during the inaugural session on 1st February, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh will grace the occasion and the Governor of the State on closing ceremony on 16th February, 2020 of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.He further added that the Department of Tourism has constructed one permanent gate of hill architecture at Mela ground as per the traditions of Surajkund Crafts Mela Authority by the 'Theme State' and one permanent monument of Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan. Besides this five gates at each entry point of the Crafts Mela ground in the style of Sakaya Tangyud Monastery Spiti, Chamba Millennium gate, Chhinna Mastika Shaktipeeth Chintpurni, Chindi Mata Temple gate Karsog and Jwalamukhi temple gate are also being set up and one 'Apna Ghar' has been set up in a traditional style. An information centre has also been set up by the Tourism Department to provide information to the tourists and to showcase unexplored tourist destinations.He said that the department of Tourism had earlier participated as a 'Theme State' in the year 1996.