Chandigarh, Oct. 23 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday said the Surajkund Diwali Mela would provide artisans, craftspeople and artists a new market, promote Swadeshi products and strengthen the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Inaugurating the four-day fair at Surajkund in Faridabad, Saini said the objective was to connect local producers directly with customers, eliminate intermediaries and ensure fair returns for their work. The mela, being held from October 23 to 26, features 300 stalls showcasing handicrafts, folk culture and regional cuisines.
Saini urged people to purchase locally made products during festivals, saying this would support artisans' livelihoods, generate employment and encourage them to expand their businesses.
He said Haryana had established 10 Sanjha Bazaars across the state and launched digital platforms to help artisans and self-help groups market and sell their products online.
Under the Haryana State Rural Livelihoods Mission, more than six lakh families have been connected through 67,641 self-help groups. Financial assistance worth Rs 596 crore has been provided to these groups, while the Community Investment Fund has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh, he said.
He urged visitors to maintain cleanliness, use cloth bags, avoid wasting food and water, and opt for earthen lamps and durable decorations.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.