Union Ministry of Rural Development is all set to bring the vibrant SARAS Aajeevika Mela-2025 to Delhi, scheduled from September 5 to 22 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium near India Gate. For the first time in the national capital, the Mela will feature all its components, including food stalls, traditional crafts, and a variety of products made by rural women, with over 400 participants from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country and around 200 stalls.
Speaking at a press conference, Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary (Rural Livelihood), said the Mela is more than just a marketplace. “Urban visitors can experience rural life while exploring and purchasing authentic products from villages across India,” she said. She added that cultural programs will be organized every evening, and entertainment and play zones for children will ensure a fun-filled experience for families.
Ministry is focusing on skill development and marketing support for women entrepreneurs. Major companies like Amazon and Flipkart are backing the initiative, and some products have already been exported to the Maldives. Efforts are also underway, with the support of India Post, to make these products available across the country.
Dr. Molishree, Director (Rural Livelihood), said the Mela connects people to their roots while promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas. Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Ministry has linked 10 crore women in 34 states and Union Territories, of whom over 2 crore have become “Lakhpati Didis,” earning more than a lakh rupees annually.
Delhi SARAS 2025 will feature pavilions offering knowledge-sharing sessions on financial literacy, digital marketing, and business planning; live demonstrations of crafts and food preparation; and opportunities for convergence with agriculture, MSME, dairy, and skill development sectors to create more women entrepreneurs.
Visitors can shop from a range of products, including traditional sarees like Tassar, Patola, Chanderi, and Kantha; woolen items from Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; woodcraft from Karnataka and Telangana; Palash and other natural products from Jharkhand; and natural food items. The Mela will also host the SARAS INDIA Food Court, cultural programs from various states, eco-friendly initiatives, senior citizen cart services, children’s entertainment zones, and competitions for school and college students.
With a mix of culture, entrepreneurship, and rural innovation, the SARAS Aajeevika Mela-2025 promises a unique opportunity for Delhiites to experience the richness of India’s villages and support women-led enterprises.
