Sargaalaya crafts expo begins

KOZHIKODE: The state government is keen on promoting tourism and has spent over Rs 600 crore  for   various tourism-related activities,  Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said here on Thursday. Inaugurating the seventh annual Sargaalaya International Arts and Crafts Festival  at Irigal Crafts Village, he said that international travellers and columnists had made special  mention of  the heritage of Malabar.  Sargaalaya has become  a major tourist destination in the district by promoting the handicraft industry, he said.

Handicrafts experts from  South Africa, Egypt, Uganda, Nepal and Sri Lanka will participate in the festival which will last till  January 8.   Around 400 national and international award-winning handicraft artisans from 27 Indian states,  around 100 handicraft  exponents and over  500 artists will attend  the festival.

The Aranmula village, renowned for its Aranmula mirror,  Thazhava village, famous for its mats  and others would present their  products. Minister for Labour and Excise T.P. Ramakrishnan presided over the function. Mr K. Dasan, MLA, Mr P. Balakiran, director, Kerala Tourism,  Mr U.V. Jose, district collector,  and actress Navya Nair  were also present at the function.