38th Surajkund Mela

Why in the news?

• Recently the 38th International Surajkund Handicraft mela has started in Faridabad.
• Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat and CM Nayab Saini inaugurated it.
• 648 artists from 42 countries are participating in this fair.
  • It includes artists from Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, Belarus, Myanmar and other countries.
• This time the state theme of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh has been kept in the fair.
• 3 special pavilions have been made in the fair
  • Among these, the pavilions of Goa and Odisha will be the main attractions.
• This fair will run from 7 - 23 February.

About International Surajkund Handicraft Mela:

• It is a major handicraft fair organized every year in Surajkund village located in Faridabad district of Haryana state.
• This fair presents a unique blend of art, culture and craftsmanship.
• It attracts craftsmanship lovers, artisans and tourists from all over the world.
• It is held every year between January and February.
• It usually lasts for 15 days.
• It is India's largest international handicraft fair.

Objective:

• The main objective of this fair is to promote traditional handicrafts, art and culture.
• This fair provides a platform to artisans and craftsmen to exhibit their work.
• Along with this, it symbolizes the confluence of Indian and global craftsmanship.