Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, February 18
Sheesh Mahal is all set to host the Heritage and Saras (Sales of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) Mela, which is being organised after a gap of 11 years. The fair will commence on February 21.
Sheesh Mahal is all decked up with traditional artifacts. Colourful tents have been pitched up, making the view a vibrant one.
The district administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the fair a great success. The Heritage and Saras Mela will provide people an opportunity to witness the cultural legacy of Punjab.
People have already started visiting Sheesh Mahal even before the starting of the festival. Harmanjeet Singh, a businessman, said, “My kids are really excited to see the preparations for the fair at Sheesh Mahal. We are happy that Heritage festival is being organised again after a long gap.”
To give a local touch to the fair, the venue has been decorated with Patiala ‘parandis’.
The main stage has been set up in the center of the lake, on which artistes will perform during the mela. The whole idea behind the festival is to exhort the youth to understand the history and culture of their region. The festival will be a perfect place for that.
Experts believe that a festival in the royal city is not just displays and honours the cultural traditions, but also boosts the local economy. As many as 150 artistes from all over the country are expected to attend the fair.
Besides two VIP washrooms near the main stage, as many as 30 temporary washrooms have been set up in Sheesh Mahal to avoid any inconvenience to the visitors.
The authorities have made arrangements for the water supply to Sheesh Mahal. A couple of places have been earmarked for dumping waste.
Suneet Kumar, SDO, Department of Sanitation and Water Supply, said, “All water and sanitation arrangements have almost been done. Separate washrooms for male and female have been set up. We will install signboards for the washrooms in Sheesh Mahal to avoid any inconvenience.”
Schedule for fair
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