Odisha's Handicrafts and Tourism Highlighted at Surajkund

38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela Welcomes Theme State Odisha

The 38th International Crafts Mela, currently being organized at Surajkund, witnessed a new flavor on Wednesday, as the complex reverberated with Odisha's heritage, theme state. Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister, Mrs. Prabhati Parida, and Haryana Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, had a visit to the exhibition. They walked around to the stalls of Odisha, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh together and visited the carnival procession. The two heads appreciated the innovation, culture, and artistry presented during the festival.

Mrs. Parida addressed a cultural evening at the main stage with an explanation on how such events help to promote and popularize the nation's rich cultural heritage so that it is sustained generations ahead. She accepted that it was an honor for Odisha to host the theme state of the Surajkund Mela and thanked Haryana for the honor of showcasing Odisha's distinctive cultural identity. Mrs. Parida also referred to the vision of India's growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central role that art and cultural festivals can have in building national unity and integrity. She especially emphasized working on heritage and culture so that different communities unite in spirit. Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, the Minister for Heritage and Tourism of Haryana, welcomed Mrs. Parida warmly.

According to him, since Prime Minister Modi assumed power, the nation has seen constant growth and development over the last ten years. Surajkund Mela, which keeps on becoming increasingly popular day by day, has already witnessed nearly 13 lakh visitors in only eight days of the fair. Dr. Sharma also sketched a scenario of rising tourism possibilities in Delhi NCR with a reference to Haryana's idea of developing new regions such as a Jungle Safari and a Disneyland on 10,000 acres of land. The festival was a combination of cultural events, handlooms, and traditional food, thereby providing an excellent opportunity for artists and craftsmen to show their skill. Mrs. Parida informed that the state's rich culture heritage in terms of handicraft like Sambalpuri sarees, traditional food, and spiritual tourism destinations related to deities like Lord Jagannath, Goddess Lakshmi, and Balabhadra would lure foreign tourists to the state.

Mrs. Parida also mentioned hospitality in her address and expressed gratitude to the people for the welcome, especially the traditional Haryana pagri (turban) that had been offered to her on her last visit. She promised that she would never forget the experience and mentioned how eagerly she anticipated sharing Odisha's unique culture and crafts in the Surajkund Mela.

Dr. Sharma also highlighted that the annual Surajkund Mela plays a crucial role in promoting the diversity and unity of India’s cultural landscape. He emphasized the importance of such events in aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India by 2047. Dr. Sharma also encouraged people to actively participate in the vision of a developed India.

Furthermore, Haryana Prisons Department work has been segmented by Dr. Sharma wherein there is going to be an exhibition where there would be crafts already pre-prepared by the inmates. The initiative provides a scope to local artisans and designers whereby they can put their product into reach of people at large.

The Mela has been the first for Odisha as well, with the state being the theme state of the festival for the second time, and therefore the state government and people feel proud. The national and international artists who will perform during the festival unite the cultures, cutting across geographical boundaries, and bring people together in their respective creative endeavors.

While thanking, Haryana Tourism Corporation Managing Director Dr. Sunil Kumar also expressed gratitude to the efforts and co-operation of all the dignitaries like Mrs. Parida, Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, and other officials. Among the prominent guests were Vijaya Rahatkar, Chairperson National Commission for Women, Mrinalini Daswal, Special Resident Commissioner of Odisha, Renu Bhatia, Chairperson State Women's Commission, and other chief secretaries of Odisha and Haryana Tourism and some cultural world dignitaries. Surajkund Mela this year once again is a reflection of the rich culture that surfaces, that is a sort of melting pot for performers and artists from across the world, where they present the art and craftsmanship that defines India's diversity.