New Delhi: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Ji today formally inaugurated the 26th ‘Hunar Haat’ at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium New Delhi where handicraftsmen and artisans from all over the country have arrived.
Lok Sabha MP Meenakshi Lekhi was present as the Chief Guest on the occasion. Union Ministry of Minority Affairs Secretary PK Das and other senior officials and dignitaries were present on the occasion.
On this occasion, Rajnath Singh Ji said, “The finest and unique skills are present in every part of the country. The artisans joining the ‘Hunar Haat’ are not only masters of art, but they are also masters of luck.” He said that Hunar Haat is making its significant contribution by strengthening the country’s economy. The Modi government is working to encourage the local artisans and handicraftsmen of the country. ‘Hunar Haat’ is bringing similar artists and skilled people of handicrafts on one platform. Shri Rajnath Singh Ji said that ‘Hunar Haat’ is a beautiful display of our cultural arts and crafts as well as a symbol of our cultural multiplicity. He said, “Hunar Haat is doing the work of branding the heritage of traditional artisans of the artisans and is making a significant contribution towards the self-reliant India Mission. Hunar Haat has made the ‘Vocal for Local’ in times of Corona epidemic disaster. As an opportunity has arisen. These skilled artisans continue to produce their artworks which ‘Hunar Haat’ has provided opportunities as a market.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs has organized this 26th Hunar Haat, from 20 February to 1 March 2021, based on the theme ‘Vocal for Local’.
More than 600 artisans and artisans from 31 states and union territories have arrived at the ‘Hunar Haat’ in Delhi carrying their goods. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Artisans from the states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal have arrived at the ‘Hunar Haat’ adorned at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Their products are being exhibited and sold here.
Exquisite indigenous handmade products like applique work, dried flowers, jute cans, brass products, wood and clay toys, ajrakh block print, blue art pottery, pashmina shawls, khadi products, banarasi silk, wooden furniture, chikankari embroidery, chanderi Silk, lac bangles, Rajasthani jewelery, phulkari, oil painting, leather products, khurja pottery, sandalwood items from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, jute products from West Bengal etc. are available for sale and exhibition here.
Apart from this, people are also enjoying various cultural and music programs being presented by famous artists of the country. Famous artists like Vinod Rathore (21 February); Nizami Brothers (24 February); Sudesh Bhosle (24 February); Kailash Kher (27 February); Shibani Kashyap (March 01) and other artists will present their programs.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that ‘Hunar Haat’ is the right platform to promote indigenous products of artisans and artisans across the country and has provided employment and employment opportunities to more than 5 lakh people Have done. The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs will provide employment and employment opportunities to 7.5 lakh artisans and artisans through 75 ‘Hunar Haat’ which will be organized on completion of 75 years of independence of the country.
Naqvi said that ‘Hunar Haat’ is also available on virtual and online platforms at http://hunarhaat.org and GEM portal where people from the country and abroad can also buy products of indigenous artisans and craftsmen on digital/online platform.