As the coronavirus is still spreading, the Haryana government has cancelled the Surajkund Mela this year. Earlier, the fair was scheduled to take place from February 1 to February 15, 2021. Surajkund Mela is a popular art and crafts fair that takes place every year in Surajkund, located in the outskirts of Delhi. Owing to virus fears, it got cancelled for the first time in 34 years. The state government, however, has plans to review the situation and organise the fair on a later date, in around April, if possible. Read on to know more.
View this post on Instagram
The Fair Might Take Place In April If Situation Improves
The Haryana government has cancelled Surajkund Mela 2021 to combat the spread of COVID-19. The total number of confirmed cases in Haryana has reached 2,68,000 and the death toll has reached 3024. On February 3, 2021, Haryana has reported 69 new cases and one death. On the brighter side, nearly 104 persons recovered in the state on the same the day, pushing up the recovery rate to 98.48 percent. However, the virus is not eradicated yet. It is still spreading. Thus, the government has come to the decision to cancel the fair this year. The government is exploring other possibilities to conduct the annual fair around April. Meanwhile, here’s a look back at the Surajkund Mela 2020.
View this post on Instagram
Also Read: Win ₹2.9 Lakhs By Polishing Away 29 Food Items In 29 Mins In This Delhi Restaurant
The Cancelling Of The Fair Has Been A Major Blow To The Artisans
According to a TOI report, Rajesh Joon, nodal officer of Surajkund Mela, said, “If the situation improves in the coming days, the tourism department will organise the fair.” However, the cancelling of the fair has been a major blow to the artisans who earn significant profits from it. Craftsmen had faced acute financial challenges in 2020, with sales almost coming to a halt for several months due to the lockdown.
View this post on Instagram
Also Read: Enjoy Mud Bath, Camel Ride And Unlimited Food At Pratapgarh Farms, Just 100 Km From Delhi
One of the artisans from Faridabad, Sheeshpal Yadav, said, “Craftsmen have barely had any sales in the past six months and they are struggling economically. The Surajkund mela provides jobs to thousands of people for almost a month. It takes care of nearly 40-50% to our expenses.” Not only the artisans, but the state government too is facing losses, as it earns revenue from advertisements, tickets sales and more.