The Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), is set to host the SARAS Ajeevika Mela for the third consecutive year. The event will take place from October 13th to October 29th, 2024, at the Leisure Valley Ground, Sector 29, Gurugram. This vibrant fair will bring together over 900 rural women artisans from 30 states across India, showcasing their craftsmanship and diverse cultural heritage.
Visitors can expect to find an array of handcrafted products, including Tussar sarees, Bagh prints, Patola sarees from Gujarat, Katha sarees from West Bengal, Rajasthani prints, Chanderi sarees from Madhya Pradesh, and much more. Special offerings from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will include woollen goods and natural food items, while Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will present unique wooden crafts. Jammu and Kashmir will feature dry fruits and handloom items, and Jharkhand will bring Palash products and natural foods.
Empowering Women Self-Help Groups
The fair goes beyond being a marketplace by providing rural women with essential opportunities for learning and growth. The event will feature knowledge-sharing pavilions where members of self-help groups (SHGs) can learn about various government schemes from ministries such as Rural Development, Agriculture, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and Textiles. The SHG members, known as Didis, will also receive training in skill development, capacity building, and livelihood generation, fostering their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Culinary Delights and Cultural Experiences
A major attraction at the SARAS Ajeevika Mela is the SARAS Food Court, offering a range of dishes from all over India. With 50 live food stalls from 25 states, visitors can savor regional delicacies such as Rajasthani Kair Sangri-Gatta ki Sabzi, Bengal's Fish Curry, Telangana Chicken, Bihar's Litti Chokha, and Punjab's Sarso Ka Saag and Makki Ki Roti. Additionally, cultural programs and performances will be held daily, showcasing India’s rich traditions and heritage. A dedicated children's zone will ensure that the event caters to families, making it an ideal destination for all age groups.
This year, a special North-East Pavilion has been introduced to spotlight the unique products and culture of the North-Eastern states. Each participating state will have its own pavilion, ensuring every region is given prominence. The involvement of Gurugram district administration and Haryana State Livelihood Mission is essential to making this event a success by providing necessary support to the women artisans.
A Tradition of Empowerment Since 1999
Since its inception in 1999, SARAS Ajeevika Mela has been a platform that bridges rural women with urban markets. Organized under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), these fairs empower women by offering direct access to customers, helping them gain insights into market trends, and enabling them to enhance their product packaging and pricing strategies. SARAS Melas have become milestones in rural women’s empowerment, improving their living standards and offering them vital employment opportunities.
The SARAS Ajeevika Mela stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to supporting rural artisans and promoting self-reliance through community-driven initiatives.
