Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the Surajkund Diwali Mela was providing artisans, craftspeople and local producers with a platform to reach new customers and expand their markets.
Inaugurating the four-day fair at Surajkund in Faridabad, Saini said the initiative was intended to connect local producers directly with consumers, reduce dependence on intermediaries and help artisans receive better returns for their work.
The fair, being held from October 23 to 26, showcases Indian handicrafts, folk culture, traditional art forms and regional food. The Chief Minister welcomed visitors and extended greetings for the festive season, including Diwali, Dhanteras, Bhai Dooj and other festivals.
Tourism and Heritage Minister Arvind Sharma and other dignitaries attended the inauguration, where artists presented cultural performances.
CM Calls For Support For Swadeshi Products
Saini said buying locally made products during festivals could help support the livelihoods of artisans and their families. He noted that purchases of traditional handicrafts could generate demand for their work, help them procure raw materials and create employment opportunities for others associated with their businesses.
Linking the initiative to the Centre’s vision of a developed India by 2047, he said public participation in the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local initiatives was important.
He encouraged people to give preference to Indian-made products for home decoration, clothing and festive gifts, saying that supporting domestic craftsmanship would help local producers build confidence and improve their products.
Haryana Expands Markets For Self-Help Groups
The Chief Minister said the state was developing Sanjha Bazaars at district headquarters to help local producers with marketing and branding. According to the figures shared by him, 10 such markets have been established so far.
He also highlighted the Swapna Digital Gram Bazaar Portal and the Sanjha Bazaar Sales Portal, launched under the Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission. Artisans and self-help groups can register on these platforms to sell their products online, with training available to help them meet the requirements of digital marketplaces.
Saini said 67,641 self-help groups had been formed under the mission, connecting more than six lakh families. These groups have received financial assistance worth Rs 596 crore through mechanisms including revolving funds and community investment funds.
The community investment fund amount has also been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh, he said.
300 Stalls At The Four-Day Fair
Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma appealed to residents of Delhi and the National Capital Region to visit the fair and shop at its 300 stalls over the four-day event.
Sharma said the Surajkund International Crafts Mela had attracted around 20 lakh visitors this year, including tourists from 50 countries. He expressed confidence that the Diwali fair would also gain wider recognition and help local artists connect with buyers.
He also highlighted the archaeological site at Rakhigarhi in Haryana, encouraging visitors to explore its historical significance and learn about the region’s ancient civilisation.
Visitors Urged To Keep The Fair Environment-Friendly
Saini called on artisans and visitors to maintain cleanliness and adopt environmentally responsible practices during the event. He urged people to carry cloth bags while shopping, avoid wasting food and water, and choose earthen lamps and durable decorative items where possible.
He said involving children in these habits could help develop greater awareness about environmental protection.
The inauguration was attended by Faridabad Mayor Praveen Batra Joshi, former minister Seema Trikha, Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Amit Agrawal, Managing Director Parth Gupta, and other officials, artisans and representatives from across Haryana.
