Chandigarh, Jan 28 (NationPress) Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma announced on Wednesday that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival is set to commence on January 31. This festival promises to significantly enhance the cultural and tourism landscape globally.

The festival aims to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fortifying the cultural legacy of both national and international artists, artisans, and weavers while invigorating intellectual and commercial endeavors. The festival's guiding principle is ‘Local to Global -- Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Sharma mentioned that Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the craft event at Surajkund in Faridabad on January 31, with the presence of Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini as special guests.

The festival will run for 16 days, concluding on February 15, with Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the chief guest.

Minister Sharma emphasized that the Surajkund craft festival is more than just an event; it is a celebration of India’s cultural unity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of self-reliance. The festival is committed to preserving the state’s heritage, providing sustainable livelihoods for skilled artisans, and enhancing international cultural collaboration.

For the fourth consecutive time, Egypt will be the partner nation, showcasing its ancient art and culture, while Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya will present their rich cultural and folk traditions at the fairground.

Last year saw the participation of 635 individuals from 44 countries, whereas this year, nearly 800 participants from more than 50 countries are expected.

The festival will feature over 1,200 stalls dedicated to national and international weavers and artisans for the exhibition and sale of traditional crafts.

Notable performers, such as Padma Shri Kailash Kher, Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, and Padma Shri Mahabir Guddu, will grace the festival.

To preserve Haryana’s cultural and folk art traditions, regional artists will perform on various stages, highlighting traditional musical instruments.

With the growing influx of tourists each year, infrastructure enhancements costing around Rs 4.75 crore have been initiated at the fairground, including beautification, pathway expansion, construction of 127 new huts, repairs of old huts, and enlargement of the amusement area.

Commissioner and Secretary (Heritage and Tourism) Amit Kumar Agrawal shared that artisans from all over the country, along with international participants, will be involved. The festival is organized not for commercial gain but to promote artisans and their craftsmanship. It aims to bolster self-reliance, enhance export potential, and provide local products with a global stage, thereby aligning with the vision of ‘Local to Global’.