Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated the second edition of “Hunar Haat”. It is being organized by the Minority Affairs Ministry to encourage, promote and provide national and international market to master artisans/craftsmen belonging to the Minority communities from across the country.With the theme “Craft Aur Cuisine Ka Sangam”, the second “Hunar Haat” is being organized from 11th to 26th February, 2017 at State Emporia Complex, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place.
Shri Naqvi said that this “Hunar Haat” is unique in the sense that it is showcasing crafts and traditional cuisines brought from different parts of the country. “Hunar Haat” is being organized through National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) under USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills & Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme of Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Shri Naqvi said that a total of 100 artisans and 30 culinary experts from about 24 states and Union Territories are participating at about 130 stalls in the second “Hunar Haat”, which also has “Bawarchikhana” where various cuisine from different parts of the country are being showcased and the visitors can enjoy them.
For the first time in this exhibition very exquisite pieces of Handicraft & Handloom work like Makrana Marble products, Bandhej from Sikar, Mojri from Rajasthan, Banjara Embroidery from Telangana, Handmade Locks & Door Handles along with Phool-Patti works from Aligarh, Cocoon decorated products from Nagaland, Mizoram Traditional Crafts, etc are being showcased and sold.
Different cuisines from 13 states are being brought by culinary experts for this second “Hunar Haat”. Awadhi Mughlai foods from Lucknow, Dal Bati Churma & Thali from Rajasthan, Sandesh & Rasogolla from West Bengal, Malabari food from Kerala, Litti-Chokha of Bihar, Puran-Poli from Maharashtra, Dhokla & Jalebi from Gujarat, Kashmiri Wazwan from J&K, Bhutte Ki Khees, Sabudana-Kheer & Khichri from Madhya Pradesh, etc.
Shri Naqvi expressed confidence that just like the first “Hunar Haat”, which was organized in November last year at Pragati Maidan, the second “Hunar Haat” at Baba Kharak Singh Marg will also showcase rich and beautiful art/skills of master artisans. The selected master artisans/craftsmen belong to states such as UP (29), Rajasthan (9), Jammu and Kashmir (9), Gujarat (6), Manipur (3), Assam (2), Odisha (2) and Kerala, Telangana and Bihar etc. In “Bawarchikhana”, the people can enjoy food from states such as UP (3), Jammu and Kashmir (3), West Bengal (2), Gujarat (2) and Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan etc.