Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sh Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said that an action plan will be prepared to bring Haryana's rich civilization, culture, and tourism on the global stage. He also emphasized the need to enhance the grandeur of the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela and to involve major partner countries in the event in the future.
Haryana's Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, met Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sh Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in New Delhi today. During the meeting, Dr. Sharma formally invited Sh Shekhawat to the inauguration of the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, scheduled to be held in Faridabad from February 7.
The two Ministers also discussed various topics related to tourism and cultural initiatives. Union Minister Sh Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that the time has come to showcase Haryana's tourism on the global stage, similar to the recognition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
He emphasized that the Central and Haryana Governments will collaborate to develop a special action plan to ensure that the world experiences and appreciates the richness of Haryana’s culture and tourism. He highlighted that to enhance the grandeur of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, prominent countries will be added as partner nations in future editions, fostering greater cultural, handicraft, and handloom exchanges.
He also suggested that the program calendar for the Mela be fixed, ensuring that global participants, artists, and tourists can plan their visits during the scheduled period. To promote the Surajkund International Crafts Mela on a global platform, he proposed organizing theme-based fairs in Surajkund, similar to those held in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.
Haryana Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, significant efforts are being made to promote unity in the diversity of food, culture, and art across the country and the State. He also apprised the Union Minister about the steps taken to enhance the grandeur of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.
Dr. Sharma mentioned that this year, digital platforms will be extensively utilized at the Mela, from online ticket booking to QR codes for artists and stalls, ensuring complete transparency in monitoring. He said that artists, weavers, and craftsmen from theme states Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, as well as from BIMSTEC countries and 50 other nations, will participate in the event.
The Mela will also offer traditional and delectable dishes from 15 states for the enjoyment of visitors.