Haryana
37th Surajkund International Crafts Fair
- 22 Feb 2024
- 3 min read
Why in News?
At the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Fair, the 182-meter-tall replica of the Statue of Unity, situated on Sadhu Bet Island in Gujarat, remained the center of attraction for the tourists.
Key Points
- The Statue of Unity, crafted by sculptor Ram V Sutar and unveiled to the public in 2018, serves as a prominent tourist destination.
- Through this grand sculpture, the pivotal role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in political integration is vividly portrayed.
- Tourists were also drawn to the stalls of Dhordo, acclaimed as the premier tourist village of Gujarat.
- During the fair, visitors eagerly captured moments with the renowned Garba dance showcased at the village's stall, highlighting Gujarat's vibrant culture.
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s recognition of Garba as a vital cultural symbol underscores its importance in Gujarat's heritage. This esteemed honor further emphasizes Garba's role in fostering social inclusion and unity, particularly during the nine-day Navratri festival.
Gujarat’s Dhordo - Best Tourism Village
- Dhordo has been conferred the prestigious title of Best Tourism Village by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Dhordo received this title at the Best Tourism Village - 2023 award ceremony organized by the UNWTO at Samarkand in Uzbekistan.
- The village has become a popular tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage, handicrafts, and the famous Rann Utsav.
- The UNWTO awards the title of "Best Tourism Village" to villages that meet certain criteria.
- The criteria include promoting sustainable tourism, preserving local culture and heritage, providing a safe and welcoming environment for tourists, and offering unique experiences to visitors.
- Additionally, the village must have a well-developed tourism infrastructure and must be able to demonstrate its commitment to responsible tourism practices.
The Statue of Unity
- It is the tallest statue in the world. At 182 meters, it is 23 meters taller than China's Spring Temple Buddha statue and almost double the height of the Statue of Liberty (93 meters tall) in the US.
- In January 2020, it was added to the ‘Eight Wonders’ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
