The 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated on the 19th March 2022 by Bandaru Dattatraya, Governor of Haryana and Manohar Lal, Chief Minister of Haryana in the august presence of Kanwar Pal, Minister of Tourism Forests, Hospitality and Art, Education, Parliamentary Affairs, Haryana and Dilshod Akhatov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan Embassy, Seema Trikha, M.L.A, Badkhal, Krishan Pal, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Power & Heavy Industries, Government of India, Mool Chand Sharma, Minister of Transport, Mines & Geology, Skill Development & Industrial Training and Elections and Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India along with other dignitaries and senior officials of the central government &State Governments.
In the welcome address, M.D. Sinha, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Government of Haryana stated the Mela ground is spread over 43.5 acres of land and houses 1183 work huts for crafts persons and a multi-cuisine Food Court, which is immensely popular with visitors. The ambiance of the mela will carry ethnic vibes with motifs and decorations such as Mahua, Nargis, Panchjanya and along with it the 75 years of independence theme with motifs and replicas of independence medals, Tri Coloured buntings and commemorative stamps. He further added that ‘the Surajkund Mela is now a tourist event with immense popularity overseas and we hope to make this event even more grand with new innovations in the coming editions.
During the inauguration session, Dattatraya, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana in his address pointed out the importance of art and crafts in the development of civilization and culture. He also praised the Ministries of Central Government & State Government of Haryana for organising the Crafts Mela as this gives an opportunity to the artisan from India and as well as participating countries to present the rich legacy of arts & crafts of their respective countries.
Manohar Lal stated that the Suraj Kund Crafts fair helps thousands of craftsperson from across India to showcase their arts and products to a wider audience. Thus, the Mela has also helped in reviving the heritage crafts of India. He further said that this years’ Suraj Kund Crafts Mela is special as organized when we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The Mela was first organized in 1987 and this is the 35th Crafts Mela organized this year, and it is a stage not only for the artisans from Haryana but also from all over India giving opportunity to showcase their talent and encourages to preserve our rich heritage & culture.
Akhatov mentioned about the importance of organizing the Suraj Kund Crafts Mela as it is a huge opportunity for boosting tourism potentiality and develop people to people connect.
Union Tourism Secretary Singh stated that ‘the 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2022 is being held after a long gap due to the Covid 19 pandemic which did not allow us to organise this much awaited crafts event in the year 2021. However, this year the Surajkund Mela comes with a promise of a bigger event with renewed energy’. He also praised the efforts & hard work of the Haryana Government for organising & implementing the Crafts Mela this year and stated that how it will help to boost the tourism in India.
