The 24th SurajKund Craft Mela began today in the outskirts of national capital Delhi. The vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari inaugurated the mega event. The CRAFT MELA showcases the finest Indian handlooms, handicrafts and other handmade things.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that a high level Sri Lanka team is visiting the Mela to study it in totality. This is being done to replicate it in Sri Lanka This year the theme state is Rajasthan, which is known for its rhythm and beats of folk dances and flavor of its rich cuisines.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent Anand Kumar reports that The diverse and rich cultural heritage of the country was on display on the opening day. Dancers wearing traditional dresses and masks were dancing at the drum beats attracting huge applause from a large number of people gathered there. <br/><br/>400 artisans and craft persons from India and other countries including Tajakisthan, Egypt , Thiland and Afghanisthan are also participating in this 15 day event. Traditional paintings, metal and wood crafts, lac bangles and products of gems and jewellery are the main attraction of the visitors. The festival will help promote and project the rich cultural mosaic out side India to the outer world.