Kutch’s Mota Yaksha Mela symbol of ‘Atmanirbharta’ and growth, says Chief Minister

“This village has a population of around 300 to 400 and it is a matter of great joy for us that in such a village, the biggest fair of Kutch is organised. When I have come here as (part of) government, I want to tell the organisers of the fair that the government will support you if you are facing any hurdles,” he added.

Mota Yaksha Mela is organised at the foothills of Kakadbhit, a hill in Sayra village. The four-day fair has a history dating back to more than 1,200 years and due to its size, it is called ‘Mini Tarnetar’.

The Tarnertar fair organised in Surendranagar is arguably the biggest cultural fair in Saurashtra.

It was for the first time that any Chief Minister inaugurated the Mota Yaksha Mela which begins on the 18th day of Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar and goes on for four days.

The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts for the district, adding that Kutch has risen again after being devastated by the 2001 earthquake.

“Modi termed Kutch as the gateway of tourism. He put Kutch on the world tourism map through Kutch Rannotsava (annual desert carnival), Kutch’s culture and various sites. Hence, it is said Kutch nahi dekha to kuchchh nahi dekha (the one who has not seen Kutch has not seen anything).”

Patel also said that industries have flourished in Kutch over the past two decades. Kutch’s camel milk is being sold across the country and the country’s biggest hybrid energy park with a capacity to generate 30,000 megawatt of power is being set up in the district, he added.

The Chief Minister also appealed to revellers to maintain cleanliness and set an example.