Surajkund Mela starts tomorrow

The unique cultural and historical heritage of Goa will come alive in the 28th Surajkund International Crafts Mela with Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda inaugurating the arts fair tomorrow.
The mela, which draws visitors from neighbouring Delhi also with its colourful pottery and home decor items, will have Goa as its theme state this year.
"Goa, though is India's smallest state, is a mosaic of many cultures like Konkani, Marathi, Portuguese. We take great pleasure in having Goa as this year's 'Theme State' for the mela," Vice Chairman of Surajkund Mela Authority Vijai Vardhan said.
Goan handicrafts like pottery, crochet and other decor items will be on display at the mela. The fair, upgraded as an international event last year, will see over 20 foreign participants and several international performers.

"This year, an unprecedented number of participants from foreign countries will be performing," Member, Administration, Surajkund Mela Authority, Sumita Misra said.
Looking to make the mela "people-friendly," the organisers have taken several initiatives like deploying a special woman commando force at the premises and offering rebates on tickets.
"This year, for the first time, we will have a special woman commando force to prevent any untoward mishap. Safety of women will be our first priority," Faridabad Police Commissioner A S Chawla said.
Besides, there will be a 10 per cent rebate on online ticket bookings and 50 per cent rebate to college students on weekdays on the production of ID cards.