Karnataka, theme state at crafts mela

Karnataka has been selected by the Haryana government as the theme State for the 27th International Crafts Mela to be held at Surajkund near New Delhi from February 1 to 15. This is the second time that Karnataka is taking center stage at this mela.

Addressing reporters in Bangalore on Thursday, Tourism Minister Anand Singh said that the mela which was once a major national event, has now been upgraded to an international event. Karnataka, which had been the theme state during the 1994 mela, will introduce over a million visitors to its scintillating flavours, colours, ethnicity, traditions and hospitality.

The Tourism department which is enthusiastic to participate in the event, is making plans to organise a similar mela in Bangalore.  

Programme details

The Surajkund event will kickstart with a fashion show and cultural programmes on February 9 — which will be observed as ‘Karnataka Day’.

The entry gates to the mela are themed after the architecture styles of Mysore Palace and monuments in Belur, Hampi, Bijapur.

The themes for the three stages for inauguration, closing and daily cultural programmes will revolve around the architectures of Pattadakal, Hampi and Belur. Of the 230 acres occupied by the mela, four acres will be dedicated for Karnataka. As many as 300 artistes from across the State will present various forms of art, folk, music, dance and theatre shows. National awardees with expertise in weaving and handicraft-making will display their creations and also hold live demonstrations. Their products will be offered for sale. The tourism department will spend an estimated Rs 5.5 crore for the event.

The Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) will manage and operate four food courts to specialities from North, South, Malnad and Coastal districts of the State.
Anand Mohan Sharan, Director General and Special Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs and Grievances, Haryana said that 18 countries had confirmed their participation.

Hampi Utsav postponed

The annual Hampi Utsav to be held on Juary 27, 28 and 29 has been postponed due to technical glitches, said Tourism Minister Anand Singh on Thursday. He said that the Utsav will be now held on February 27, 28 and March 1.