From Our  Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
 
Bangalore, Jan 17: Over 500 artisans and artistes from different parts of Karnataka would be participating in the 15-day Surajkund International Crafts Mela being held in Haryana State from February 1 to 15.

A significant highlight of this year’s crafts mela is the projection of Karnataka as the theme state for the event.

''It is a matter pride for Karnataka that the State is being projected as the theme state for the annual Surajkund Mela after a gap of 18 years, Karnataka’s Tourism Minister Anand Singh said.

The last time Karnataka was a theme state was in 1994.

Karnataka has been selected as the Theme State for the 15-day craft mela and it would use the opportunity to portray the living styles of Kodava family at the ‘Apna Ghar’, Anand Singh said.

Stages for inauguration, daily cultural events and closing ceremony would be constructed on the architecture styles of Pattadakal, Hampi and Belur temples.

Apart from other dignitaries, the chief minister of the theme state would participate at the inauguration of the 15-day mela at Surajkund in Haryana.

From this year the Surajkund Crafts Mela has been upgraded as an international event and would now be known as Surajkund International Crafts Mela, the minister explained.

The theme state would get the maximum space in the mela campus for setting up stalls to show case its art, craft, culture and cuisine.

It would also contribute in terms of expenses incurred on changing the look of venue, the minister said pointing out that the State Government is spending Rs 5.5 crore for holding the festival.

“Karnataka’s food is extremely rich in variety,” he said adding: ''Stalls would be established to popularise food items and sweets for which the State is famous throughout the country and even abroad with items like Masala Dosa, Davanagere Benne Dosa, Jolada Rotti, Idli-Vada, Ragi Mudde, Maddur Vade, Dharwad Peda, Mysore Pak.”

Belgaum Kunda and Kardantu are among the other sweet delicacies that will be on offer.

Organised by annually by the Haryana Tourism Department, the Surajkund festival provide an opportunity to tourists to buy some great works of artists that contain paintings, wood stock, textiles, pottery, ivory work, stonework, terracotta and grass work. There would be cultural programmes at the venue.

The idea behind the Mela is to popularise Indian and craft globally and also increase foreign footfall in the fortnight long event.

A few days ago, the Karnataka Government and Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation officials visited the Surajkund mela campus to monitor the preparations for the mega event. The team held discussion with Surajkund Mela Authority.

Entry gates at the Mela would be themed after world famous Mysore Palace, architecture styles of Belur, Hampi and Jain Basadis.

A total of 75 stalls would be set up to display the State’s products and great works of artists that contain paintings, wood stock, textiles, pottery, ivory work, stonework, terracotta and grass work.

About 250 artistes and 169 artisans from the State would take part in the Mela, which spread over 38 acres.

Delegates from 12 countries would participate in the event, the minister said pointing out that it would be an excellent opportunity to project and popularize the tourist attractions from Karnataka.