Surajkund International Crafts Mela to begin today

The 31st Surajkund International Crafts Mela will begin today. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal will inaugurate the fortnight-long event. Briefing media persons, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Haryana government and Vice-Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority VS Kundu said, Jharkhand is the theme state and Egypt is the partner nation.  

The mela will remain open for public from 1030 AM to 0830 PM till 15th February. Organisers have set up help desk at all six gates where visitors can get all relevant information. They have also deployed a team of volunteers called Mela Mitra to help and guide visitors in



case of any emergency. Organisers also called this year's fair as 'Cashless Mela' because all stakeholders have been provided option to opt for cashless transactions if they desire so. 

Visitors can buy mela tickets online. 400 artistes will showcase the art, culture, heritage, handicrafts and cuisine of the state during the next 15 days. An 18-feet statue of greatest freedom fighter of Jharkhand Birsa Munda has been erected. 21 countries are participating in the fair. Organisers have made elaborate arrangements as they are expecting 15 lakh people to visit the mela this year.