STATE TIMES NEWS
FARIDABAD (HARYANA: Jammu and Kashmir pavilion received overwhelming response at the 37th Surajkund International Mela, held at Faridabad, Haryana while serving as a dazzling canvas displaying the grandeur of J&K’s unique art and cultural heritage in various forms.
Under the aegis of Industries and Commerce Department ,Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) curated a spectacular display with 21 stalls dedicated to exceptional and world famous Handloom and Handicraft products of the UT. These stalls showcased the essence of J&K through major attractions such as pashmina shawls, Kani shawls and sozni artwork, hand-embroidered garments including pheran, colourful paper machie products, handmade silk carpets adorned with intricate patterns and other unique products. The visitors not only had the chance to witness these exquisite products but also engaged with the artisans themselves.
The JKTPO stalls became a hub of storytelling, where the dedication of craftspeople and the narratives behind each creation were shared with enthusiasm, creating an immersive experience for the attendees.
The Surajkund International Mela is a prestigious event on the international tourist calendar, attracting over a million visitors, including thousands of foreign tourists. It is renowned as the largest crafts fair globally, showcasing the richness and diversity of India’s handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric.
Organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism, in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs, the 37th edition had the State of Gujarat as the Theme State. With participation from at least 20 countries and all states of India, the mela celebrated cultural exchange on a grand scale.
Highlighting the importance of preserving heritage crafts, the mela dedicated a special section to showcase traditional skills that are fading away due to machine-made imitations. Renowned national and international folk artists and cultural groups graced the open-air theatres, providing captivating performances throughout the event.
The JKTPO pavilion drew thousands of craft enthusiasts, generating sales worth Rs. 1.3 crore and 450 number of leads. The sales and leads together will facilitate generation of regular and ever expanding annual business for the artisans and entrepreneurs, thus creating a positive impact on economy of Jammu and Kashmir on long term basis. Riding on such successes, and recent astounding culmination of Jammu Trade Fair 2024, the JKTPO is gearing up for the mega JK Trade Show 2024, scheduled to take place in Srinagar in the coming months at scenic Government Arts Emporium Garden
JKTPO has been at the forefront of advocating for local products, assisting artisans and nurturing business initiatives in J&K. It has actively participated in 15 exhibitions and trade fairs during the current financial year. Additionally, JKTPO has taken a leading role in arranging Buyer-Seller Meets, Business conclaves, and other initiatives to enhance market connections and opportunities for business entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir.
