Faridabad: The tourism department is considering a news-and-commerce website to showcase and sell products made by artisans at Surajkund Crafts Mela, officials said on Saturday. The move is aimed at giving craftsmen a global exposure, with officials citing how Kolhapuri chappals evolved into an internationally sold Indian brand commanding premium prices. The proposal, currently on the department’s idea list, was shared on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 39th Surajkund International Atmanirbhar Shilp Mela 2026 in Faridabad. Tourism secretary-level officials said the initiative is being explored as a way to ensure that artisans, who currently get a chance to sell their products only once or twice a year at large fairs, can reach buyers throughout the year and retain a larger share of the profits by cutting out middlemen. The mela was inaugurated by Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan in the presence of chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union minister of state for cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, heritage and tourism minister Arvind Sharma, and senior officials from the Centre and the state. Speaking at the event, the Vice President described the Surajkund Mela as a living embodiment of India’s civilisational ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, highlighting its role over nearly 4 decades in providing global recognition to traditional artisans, weavers and folk artists. He underlined the importance of schemes such as the PM Vishwakarma Yojana in strengthening the artisan ecosystem.
