Come October 1, just hop over to Gandhi Maidan to enjoy the earthy touch of Dilli Haat.

Sri Krishna Smarak Vikas Samiti on Monday announced that it would set up Patna Haat-The Art Village near gate number 7 as the first step towards developing the Maidan as City Square. Patna divisional commissioner Anand Kishor, who heads the committee, inspected the eastern part of the ground along with officials concerned.

Fifty stalls will sell handicraft and handloom products. Work on setting up the Haat began on Monday. 'Patna Haat will be developed on the pattern of Delhi Haat but will be far better. People can buy most handicraft and handloom products Bihari artisans make. Its planning was on for one year,' Kishor said.

Madhubani paintings, Khatwa appliqué work, Bhagalpuri silk, Sikki craft, Tikuli paintings, stone craft, bamboo craft, Manjusha paintings, jute craft, wood craft, terracotta, lac bangles-lahthi work, brass items, Sujni embroidery, bawan buti and papier mache items will vie to grab the eyeballs of handicraft connoisseurs.

In August, the committee had opened three food courts across 3,600sqft on the Maidan's eastern part in front of Udyog Bhavan. Residents often hang around the food court and savour ethnic Bihari food.

The temporary nature of the Haat structure would allow it to be dismantled within a day in case of any need. 'The motive behind opening the Patna Haat to motivate local art, culture and to facilitate people for displaying product and sale of such items at one recongnised place. Our aim is to give the priority to the art of Bihar. As you know that we want to transform the ground as City Square and in days to come, Gandhi Maidan would become the most happening place in Patna.

The committee today also announced to start the cultural programme at Gandhi Maidan every weekend for the entertainment of the visitors.

'From this weekend, a cultural programme will be organised to entertain visitors. This initiative is another step towards transforming the ground into City Square. If required, we can allow the programme for both days over the weekend from 5pm to 9pm round the year,' Kishor said.

For the cultural programme, there would be a portable stage and a sound system. The location will be parallel to the food courts so that people can enjoy the music while having their favourite dishes.