Himachal to participate in Surajkund International Crafts Mela from 1-16 February
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in/ Chandigarh
To showcase tourism potential, cultural heritage, handicrafts of the state at an international level platform, Himachal Pradesh is participating in the 34th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, scheduled from 1st to 16th February, 2020 at Surajkund, Haryana as a ‘Theme State’.
Yunus, Director, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Himachal Pradesh informed that for the participation as a ‘Theme State’ all necessary arrangements have been made to project the state at this international level event from tourism point of view. The department has constructed a permanent gate i.e. Replica of Ram Bag gate Manali, one permanent structure of heritage monument i.e. replica of Bhimakali Temple, Sarahan, one Apna Ghar, traditional Himachali style and 5 temporary gates have been constructed by giving them traditional look of the places reflecting the culture at each entry point of the Crafts Mela ground. Yunus stated that the gates constructed are of Chhinmastika Chintpurni (Una), Mata Sri Jwala ji, Chindi Devi Karsog (Mandi), Sakya Tangyud Monastery and Chamba Millennium gate.
He further informed that on 4th February, 2020, Himachali cultural night will be organized and cultural troupes from Himachal Pradesh will give the cultural performances at Surajkund Mela Ground’s Chopal. In addition, daily cultural performances showcasing Himachal’s rich culture will be organized at different places of the Surajkund Mela Ground to attract the visitors and to promote the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal to participate in Surajkund International Crafts Mela from 1-16 February. Yunus further said that to provide the information to the visiting tourists and general public information cum exhibition stall has also been put up at the Mela Ground in Theme State area provided by the Surajkund Mela Authority. In the exhibition stall unexplored and new destinations have been highlighted in order to attract the national and international tourists so that they can made their travel plan to visit the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh. Unexplored places, adventure tourism, cultural heritage and religious tourism have been highlighted to promote the state. The state has huge potential in adventure tourism, besides leisure tourism.
He said that the department of Tourism is focusing on promotion of water sports also in the reservoirs of Himachal Pradesh and in the coming season adventure tourism promotion events will be organized. To promote and market the Himachali products 70 stalls of Artisans from different parts of the state including artisans from rural areas have been set up. The handloom, handicrafts, metal crafts, bamboo products etc. will be on display and for sale during the Crafts Mela 2020 at Surajkund.
Yunus informed that a fashion show will be organized on 9th February, 2020 to showcase Himachal Pradesh’s rich culture and traditions. The fashion show on the theme ‘Unforgettable Himachal’ will be organized by famous dress designer Ritu Beri at the Chopal of Crafts Mela ground.
To promote Himachali cuisines, a food court has been set up in the Mela ground to serve the variety of the Himachali dishes, Yunus added.
The Department is putting the hoardings, cut outs etc inside and outside the Crafts Mela ground for promotion and publicity of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The entire mela ground will give the feel of the Himalayan state Himachal Pradesh. To show the promotional films, large size LED screens at different locations of the Crafts Mela ground are being set up, besides paintings, bunting, banners etc are being displayed.
The department is publicizing the tourism potential of the state through print, electronic and outdoor media to attract the tourists. Special advertisement campaign has been started in FM Radio’s, Airport and in daily newspapers covering Delhi NCR. In addition to Tourism department, the Department of Industries, Department of Language, Art & Culture and Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is participating in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela as part of the Theme State to represent Himachal Pradesh.
During the inauguration ceremony on 1st February, 2020, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh will grace the occasion and during the closing ceremony on 16th February, 2020, the Governor of H.P will grace the occasion at Surajkund Crafts Mela Ground.
