Panji, Oct 19 (TNN): Goa tourism has been invited to participate in the forthcoming edition of the Surajkund mela as the 'theme state'. The 28th Surajkund international crafts mela will be held in February 2015 in Surajkund district, Faridabad, Haryana.

The government of Haryana has invited Goa to participate in the forthcoming edition of the Surajkund mela as the 'theme state."

This internationally acclaimed event showcases the richness of the handicrafts and cultural fabrics of India. At the same time, it affords an excellent opportunity to the finest crafts persons and weavers of India. Here, the artisans can display and sell their products directly.

Minister for tourism Dilip Parulekar said, "We are proud to be selected as the 'theme state' for the forthcoming Surajkund mela. This is an opportunity for us to showcase Goan handicrafts, performing arts and cuisine to more than a million tourists who arrive from all parts of the country and abroad."

Goa tourism is planning to make the most of this event and use it as a platform to showcase and promote Goa's culture, folk dances, handicrafts and more.

Some of the areas that will be explored by Goa tourism as the theme state will be -- cultural programmes, day performers, fashion shows and music cassettes.

"Goa tourism is also focusing on festival tourism and wants to promote it on a large scale. Showcasing Goa's rich culture and heritage will help the tourists to understand and enjoy Goa in a better fashion," a tourism official said.