Siliguri, Oct. 9 -- The Bengal government is planning to organise a weekly market at Kawakhali Shilpi Haat to make the venue more active and popular while creating better opportunities for local artisans to showcase and sell their products.
State School Education minister Dipak Barman announced the proposed initiative during his visit to Shilpi Haat on Friday. During the visit, the minister inspected different areas of the complex and interacted with people working there to learn about their activities and concerns.
After the inspection, Barman said that around 7 to 10 fairs are organised at the venue every year, during which various stalls are set up. He pointed out that a large number of tourists travel through the Siliguri Corridor to reach destinations such as Darjeeling and Sikkim, and many of them are interested in purchasing distinctive local products. Against this backdrop, the government is exploring ways to utilise Shilpi Haat more effectively so that locally-made handicrafts and other products can reach a wider audience.
"Discussions are underway on how this place can be utilised in a planned manner. Our primary objective is to ensure that local artisans can use this market to improve their livelihoods," the minister said. He also announced that the name of Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat, introduced by the previous government, would be changed.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the state government's 'Durgotsav' programme, organised by the department of Information and Cultural Affairs at Kawakhali Maidan, adjacent to Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat.
The two-day programme will be held on October 11 and 12.
Singer Tirtha Bhattacharya will perform on October 11, while Antara Mitra will take the stage on October 12, followed by a fireworks display.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.