Chandigarh - The 38th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Fair witnessed a record-breaking crowd of tourists on Sunday. In just 10 days, 11.70 lakh tourists have visited the crafts fair so far, which is close to last year's number of 13 lakh tourists.The Surajkund fair will continue till February 23.
Giving information here today, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said that 2 lakh tourists visited the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair on Sunday. There was a huge crowd of people at the cultural stage, main chaupal, mini chaupal, theatre as well as various pavilions. He said that 13 lakh people had reached the 37th edition of Surajkund fair, whereas this time, 11.70 lakh tourists have witnessed this fair in just 10 days. In the next 7 days, not only will this figure cross last year's figure, but it will also create a new record.
Dr Arvind Sharma said that the resolution taken by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi to enrich national unity, art and culture is being fulfilled through the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He said that this time, the fair is moving towards success due to technology and many creative changes. He said that despite the change in weather, students' exams and other reasons, Surajkund fair is going to create a record of the highest number of tourists in its history.
He said while the online ticket system made it easier for the general public to get tickets at the Surajkund fair, the online allotment of stalls to artisans and weavers also brought transparency in the system and attracted more people. This has given the general public an opportunity to see and buy products of artisans and weavers from across the country. He said that due to Odisha and Madhya Pradesh being the two theme states, people's interest in the fair has increased. This time, a huge crowd has been seen at the stalls of BIMSTEC partner countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar. Tourists are also enjoying the cultural presentations being given by artists from more than 50 countries at the main chaupal. Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the attraction towards the fair has also increased among the people due to the performance of big artists on the Maha Stage every day. He said that Principal Secretary of Heritage and Tourism Department, Smt. Kala Ramchandran, MD of Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited Dr Sunil Kumar, Information, Public Relations and Language Department, Art and Culture Department and their entire team are working day and night with full dedication to provide every possible facility to the tourists.