Hunar Haat is an exhibition launched to showcase and promote the traditional arts and artisans from minority communities in India. At which major event was the first Hunar Haat organised?

Introduction / Context:
This question connects culture, minority welfare, and trade fairs. Hunar Haat is a platform created by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to promote craftsmen and artisans from minority communities by providing them marketing support and exposure. Knowing where it was first launched helps you track important government initiatives and cultural events.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Hunar Haat showcases traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and culinary arts of minority communities.
- The question asks at which event the first Hunar Haat exhibition was organised.
- The options list a mix of fairs and festivals in India that receive national level attention.
- We assume the first edition aimed for maximum visibility by tying up with a major trade fair in the national capital.

Concept / Approach:
The India International Trade Fair (IITF) in New Delhi is a very large annual event where state and central government pavilions showcase products, schemes, and cultural displays. Hunar Haat was first introduced at IITF 2016 to highlight skills of artisans from minority communities and connect them to buyers from across India and abroad. While other events like Pushkar Fair or Surajkund Crafts Mela are also important, they were not the launch venues for this government initiative.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the nature of Hunar Haat. It is not just a local fair but a national level initiative under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Step 2: Think about which event provides a large national and international audience for such a launch. IITF held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi is a strong candidate. Step 3: Remember that in 2016, news reports highlighted Hunar Haat as a special feature at IITF New Delhi. Step 4: Compare with other options. Pushkar Fair is mainly a cattle and cultural fair in Rajasthan, Surajkund is a crafts mela in Haryana, and Kumbh Mela is a religious gathering, none of which were mentioned in this specific context. Step 5: Conclude that the first Hunar Haat was organised at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), New Delhi, in 2016.

Verification / Alternative Check:
You can verify by associating ministries with venues. Ministry of Minority Affairs often uses IITF pavilions to display schemes and initiatives because the fair already attracts central and state government departments. Launching Hunar Haat there ensures good footfall and media coverage. In contrast, Pushkar Fair and Kumbh Mela are not primarily trade and government exhibition platforms.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pushkar Fair, 2016, is a famous cultural and cattle fair in Rajasthan but was not the starting point for Hunar Haat.
Surajkund Crafts Mela, 2017, showcases crafts from different states but is separate from the initial government branded Hunar Haat organised by the minority affairs ministry.
Kumbh Mela, 2015, is a religious gathering with a different focus, and Hunar Haat was not launched there.
Republic Day Parade, 2016, features tableaux and marching contingents, not an exhibition format like Hunar Haat.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners may see the word artisans and quickly think of Surajkund Crafts Mela, which is a well known craft fair. However, Surajkund is a state level initiative, whereas Hunar Haat is a ministry level scheme that took advantage of the huge platform of IITF for its first edition. Paying attention to whether an event is mainly cultural or trade policy focused can help avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is India International Trade Fair (IITF), New Delhi, 2016, where the first Hunar Haat was organised.