‘Hunar Haat’ receives lukewarm response in Muktsar

Archit Watts

Muktsar, January 15

Despite the fact that the three-day Maghi Mela this year witnessed more crowd than the last year, the district administration’s initiative of organising ‘Hunar Haat’, an exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts and traditional products made by artisans, got a lukewarm response.

“During the Maghi Mela, a majority of people visit Malout Road and return from there after enjoying swing rides, purchasing household items and paying obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. However, the ‘Hunar Haat’ was organised at Guru Gobind Singh Park on Kotkapura Road. Further, the event was not publicised in advance, leading to minimal footfall. I could barely sell some bottles of honey during the three-day event,” said Jaswant Singh, president of the Malwa Progressive Beekeepers’ Association.

He added, “The district administration provided free stalls to us. It also made arrangements for free stay. Food and tea was also provided to us through free coupons. However, the location should be changed next time, which will enhance the chances of holding a successful event.”

Similarly, another stall holder said, “The crowd was noticed only when any VIP visited here. Rest of the time, we were mostly sitting idle. There was crowd at only two-three stalls or where some people were tying turbans.”

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Dr Baljit Kaur visited the fair on Sunday and congratulated the district administration for this initiative.

The three-day traditional Maghi Mela concluded on Monday. A nagar kirtan was also taken out to mark the day. Besides, some Nihangs displayed the skills of their Sikh martial arts and horse race on the Tibbi Sahib road here.