On the second day of the Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart, being organized by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government with the aim of promoting Punjab's culture and tourist attractions worldwide and further enhancing the potential of the state's tourism industry, the glimpses of Punjabi rural life, cultural activities, various stalls exhibiting cuisines, clothing and other daily routine stuffs remained the center of attraction for the public.
Making yarn on a spinning wheel, weaving laces on a weaver's pit, making clay pots, churning madhanis, manually grinding grains were practically demonstrated on the stalls, and people enthusiastically enjoyed this rich Punjabi heritage by doing these activities with their own hands.
The Malwai Giddha team continuously performed and enthralled the audience, while the youngsters and visitors from other states also performed on Malwai Giddha. People relished Makki di Roti, Saag, Butter and Lassi to their heart's content. Government organization such as Verka, Markfed and Punjab Agro along with other government agencies also showcased their food products, which were wholeheartedly purchased by the people.
In the Travel Mart, Punjab Small Industries Export Corporation (PSIEC) and various self-help groups, including stalls offering Phulkaris, Shawls and other clothing items, played a significant role in attracting visitors. The commercial establishments, organizations and hotels in the tourism industry also set up their stalls, from where information was given about their packages regarding the tourist places and accommodation in Punjab and the people who reached the mart also bought those packages on the spot.
Visitors also visited the stalls of various establishments including Sadda Pind, Comfort Hotel Sri Amritsar, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board, the Kicker Lodge, Rare India, Duniya Ghumo, the Wind Flora Resort, the Park Hotels. The 360-degree immersive theatre was also largely visited, where various short films, documentaries and video clips showcased Punjab's tourist destinations, facilities and possibilities in an impressive way.
Indelible impression on the hearts of the people of Punjab
Ms. Nooper from 'Hues of Inahi Self Help Group' of Patiala, who set up a stall featuring Punjabi suits and jutti at the travel mart, said that Tourism summit will not only benefit Punjab's tourism but the self help groups will also get a big benefit as our products have been highly praised by the visitors, who came to attend the summit from different state and countries.
Similarly, owner of 'Ekta Self Help Group' Jagdev Singh of village Satauj (district district), who extracts and sells different types of oil, said that he received many orders from other states because of this summit. Encouraged by this, he has decided to bring his work to the online platform.
Ms. Vandana Bhardwaj of 'Mahila Morcha Self Help Group Mohali', who was selling saag, makki di roti, kheer, mal pude, kadhi-chawal, jaggery sugar and vermicelli, said that she has received overwhelmed response as visitors from other states ate saag and makki di roti with great relish.
Likewise, Jasbir Kaur of 'Baba Deep Singh Self Help Group, Gagarpur' of Sangrur district, who set up her first stall of life, said that the products she had brought were sold out this morning. And, with the help of the products brought separately to give people a taste, she has received many orders, which she will mail in the next few days, said Jasbir Kaur, who has started the business of sweets and biscuits.