The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair, a unique confluence of colours, art, crafts, culture, music and cultural heritage, is starting from tomorrow. Union Tourism and Culture Minister Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will be the chief guest on the occasion and the programme will be presided over by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Haryana Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, while addressing a press conference at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi, said Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are participating as theme states at the fair, which has created a distinct identity at the international level.
The Tourism Minister said a large number of foreign countries participate in the Surajkund fair. In the last 10 years, the charm and attraction of this fair has increased. The Tourism Minister said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi always emphasizes enriching national unity, culture and art.
The Surajkund fair is a great example of showing diversity of India and realizing the dream of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. Dr. Arvind Sharma said the fair provides a platform to international craftsmen and artists from all over the world to showcase art, craft and talent.
He said Surajkund mela is unique because it showcases the richness and diversity of India's handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric.
Fair tickets will be available at metro stations
Dr. Arvind Sharma said for the purpose of providing convenience to the tourists in the fair, an MoU has been signed with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in which Delhi Metro will look after the work of the fair's tickets and parking. It will sell the fair tickets at selected Delhi Metro stations and will set up special ticket counters at the fair gate.
The ticket price for normal days has been kept at Rs. 120, for weekends at Rs. 180. Provision of discount in tickets has been made for children. E-rickshaws have been arranged at the fair for the elderly and the disabled.
Shuttle bus service started from metro stations
Dr. Arvind Sharma said to increase the participation of the general public, shuttle bus service is being started from Gurugram, Ballabhgarh, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Connaught Place and Tughlakabad metro stations. He said there will be traditional food stalls from 15 states in the fair, and food brands from private sector will also provide their services.
Cultural presentations will be seen on four stages
Cultural presentations will be seen throughout the day at four places in the fair. Chaupal-1 and Chaupal-2 stages are already set up, while two other cultural stages named Mahastage and Natyashala have also been prepared. More than 1000 artists will display their talent in the fair. The minister said rural games like Dangal, Kabaddi and Kho-Kho will also be organized on the occasion.