File Photo: Lebanese artists perform during a press preview for the 29th International Crafts Mela in Surajkund on February 2, 2015. (Press Trust of India)
The 29th edition of fortnight-long Surajkund International Crafts Mela culminated on Sunday, recording a footfall of around 12 lakh visitors, including 1.6 lakh foreigners, this year.
Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, who presided over the closing-cum-award presentation ceremony, said it was heartening to see the fair being organized on this magnitude.
The fair contributes in stirring a spirit of unity and brotherhood among different nations, he said.
Mr Solanki said the fair offered an ideal opportunity to bind countries together and think for a larger good with over 20 countries taking part in it and different folk cultures being unveiled during the fortnight.
Hailing the strong roots of Indian culture, he said, "India's culture and heritage had such strong roots that it could offer a solution for problems like terrorism and international strife, and along with 'yoga' it could help the youth imbibe a strong value system."
Assigning full credit to the
mela for instilling harmony among different cultures, he highlighted upon Haryana's progress in every field including industry, agriculture and sports.
Chhattisgarh Governor Balram Ji Das Tandon was the special invitee on the occasion.
Tourism Minister, Haryana, Ram Bilas Sharma and Minister of State for Tourism, Haryana, Karan Dev Kamboj were among the guests who were present on the occasion.
Drumbeats and foot-tapping music gave the esteemed dignitaries a rousing welcome from the participating cultural troupes of various countries and states of the nation.
Sumita Misra, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism and Chief Administrator, Surajkund Mela Authority said "the mela is the biggest crafts fair of the world that symbolizes brotherhood of cultures and has been indeed very successful this year".
The craft fair witnessed the record number of 12 lakh visitors, including 1.6 lakh foreigners, this year with more than 20 countries participating in it.