LUSAKA, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government is sponsoring 15 Zambians to participate in a 17-day cultural tourism event held in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Zambian government official said on Friday.
The Zambians will participate in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which runs from Feb. 1 to 17 in the city of Faridabad in Haryana, said Zambia's High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga.
"The 15 Zambians include a government official from the Ministry of Tourism and Arts, a cultural dance troupe, artisans and crafts persons showcasing Zambian crafts," Kapijimpanga said, according to a press release from the Zambian Embassy in India.
She said participating in the event is important as more than 1 million visitors are expected to attend, including thousands of foreign tourists.
Kapijimpanga said the event helps preserve heritage crafts that involve the use of traditional skills that are fading away due to cheap machine-made imitations, and that a special section is earmarked for showcasing heritage crafts.
She also recognized the role of the Indian High Commission in Zambia in ensuring that Zambia actively participates in trade and tourism activities in India.
