SURAJKUND (Haryana), January 31: Hyderabad's architectural wonder Charminar will be the master motif reflecting this year's theme state Andhra Pradesh at the 13th Surajkund Crafts Mela commencing here tomorrow. Around 250 award-winning craftspersons and 300 artists from all over the country are scheduled to take part in the fortnight-long extravaganza. Of these, 180 artists and 60 craftsmen will work on the spot and put up their exhibits for sale, Secretary, Union Ministry of Tourism M.P. Bezboruah told newspersons here today.A replica of Charminar, with its four 53-metres high minarets decorated with lotus buds and petals, will create the scene for perfumers to sell ittar, kohl and sandalwood powder. Burkha-clad women haggling over bangles and merchants weighing fistful of pearls of varying sizes and hues would recreate the Hyderabad scene at the mela complex spread over 26 acres.Organised every year by the Surajkund Mela Authority under the aegis of Union Ministry of Tourism and the Haryana government, the mela aims to highlight outstanding handicrafts and handloom traditions of the country and identify languishing and lesser known crafts to give them wider exposure, Bezboruah said. Sanjay Kothari, Secretary (Tou-ism), Haryana, said adequate security arrangements and a contingency plan had been worked out to maintain law and order and avoid incidents like a fire breakout during the mela.Andhra Pradesh Tourism Secretary S.N. Mohanty said over 90 varieties of folk dances depicting the richness of the state's tradition and culture would be presented during the fortnight-long extravaganza. These include Vir Natyam and Dapulu, traditional tribal dancedrama of tribals. There will be special stalls of state's rich varieties of snacks and dishes besides an Apna Ghar depicting typical rural family life, he said. Organisers have also made arrangements for a regular bus service from various locations in the Capital, Kothari said.
