Mohali’s much-awaited event Ajivika SARAS Mela kicked off today evening with the Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond as a gala show in Sector 88, near Manav Mangal Smart School. MLA Derabassi Kuljit Singh Randhwa and Comedian turned Actor, and Producer Boni Dhillon were also present at the inaugural ceremony. The event will be organised from 18 to 27 October.
Addressing the media, the Minister who also holds Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, said that Bhagwant Mann Government has restored the Pristine Glory of Punjab by promoting Rangla Punjab. He said that the Punjab Government, in the run-up to showcase Punjab’s rich heritage and culture to the world, is holding such a big event.
He said that SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisan Society) Mela not only provides a nationwide platform for the country’s rural artisans to sell their craft products but also gives a big opportunity to have a look at the Indian Diverse Culture. He said that about 600 artisans from the 20 states have set up 300 stalls here to exhibit the rare handicrafts and handmade products that have uniqueness in manufacturing.
He said that the artisans’ creative work attracts everyone to purchase them. Interacting with the artisans who come from Agra, Hoshiarpur and other parts of the Country, the Minister applauded their craftsmanship and wished them a better sale of their goods.
The Minister was welcomed warmly by depicting the diverse culture of various artists with their performances of Assam's Pihu, Haryana’s Gumar, Jogi Bean, Nagara, Puppet Dance and the unique and bold performance of Bazigars. He said that the SARAS mela is a unique platform to promote the country’s unity in diversity and the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat is committed to promoting the rural artisans and self-help groups in the state.
Among the officers who were present on this occasion included the ADC (General) Viraj S Tidke, ADC (Development) and Nodal Officer, SARAS Mela Sonam Chaudhary, Commissioner MC Mohali T Benith, Joint Commissioner Deepankar Garg, SDM Kharar Gurminder Singh and DDPO Baljinder Singh Grewal. The stalls of handicrafts and eateries were attracting the people by exhibiting the artistic goods and exciting dishes of the country.