Mysore/Mysuru: JSS Mysore Urban Haat, one of the landmarks of the city near Outer Ring Road junction at Hebbal, is back after a hiatus of several months. Complying with COVID-19 safety norms, Handicrafts Mela is organised from Sept. 18 to 27. It will be open from 10 am to 9 pm. 

Assistant Director of Handicrafts Services Centre K.S. Sunil Kumar, addressing a press meet, informed that the Mela is being organised for the first time after the lockdown was relaxed in phases in the country. It is organised in association with the Union Ministry of Textiles and Handicrafts. 

“Keeping in mind the safety of the visitors in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, only those artisans having COVID certificate will be allowed to set up their stalls. The visitors will be screened with thermal scanner at the main entrance. If the temperature of any visitor is above the permitted level, they will be denied entry to the Mela,” he added.

Apart from this, automatic sanitisers are installed at the Mela. As the Mela is organised on a vast space, the visitors can manage social distance with ease, said Sunil.

Executive Secretary of JSS Mahavidyapeetha Dr. C.G. Betsurmath will inaugurate the Mela on the day at 4 pm. Director of JSS Technical Education Dr. C. Ranganathaiah, Director of Horticulture – JSS Mahavidyapeetha S. Shivashankarappa and K.S. Sunil Kumar will be present.

Dr. Betsurmath said, “Apart from the State, artisans from West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan will be taking part in the Mela. The handicrafts like madhubani paintings, carpets, Mysuru wood inlay works, Channapatna toys, Hyderabad pearls, Gondh paintings, cane furniture and several others will be available for sale at affordable prices.”

Project Officer, JSS Mysore Urban Haat, Shivananja Swamy and Co-ordinator A. Rakesh Rai were present at the press meet. For details, contact Mob: 96866-77232 or 98455-50845.