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.
