Srinagar: The second edition of SARAS Aajeevika Mela held in Kashmir, which featured products manufactured by over 300 rural craftswomen associated with Self Help Groups of DAY NRLM concluded on Saturday, marking it as the first-of-its-kind 11-day women-led Fair in Srinagar.
The Mela hosted artisans from all over the country and offered a wide variety of the finest handicraft and handloom products from the remotest areas of Rural India to the visitors.
The Mela which began here at the Banks of Dal Lake on 15th March continued till today, offering the visitors a myriad collection of handmade products and cuisines from across the country.
More than 170 women artisans from different parts of rural India participated and showcased their products on 70 stalls provided by the JKRLM for exhibition and sale. women from self-help groups from 17 states/UTs displayed handicrafts, handloom, and natural food items from different rural areas in the vibrant stalls handled and managed by Women SHG members.
Some of the prominent items displayed at the stalls were handmade cloth from Jammu-Kashmir with sozni and ariwork, antique coin jewellery from Maharashtra, organic soaps, and herbal cleaning agents from Sikkim. Phulkari suits from Punjab, Chikankari kurtis from Uttar Pradesh, handmade jewellery from Himachal, handloom from Bihar, and many more.
At the food court, an array of dishes, traditional delicacies, and street favourites were served. There were Vada Pav from Maharashtra, Momos from Sikkim, traditional wazwan from Ganderbal, and the most liked Shahi kheer from Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the valedictory function Additional Mission Director Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) Reyaz Beigh said: “Organizing SARAS Ajeevika Mela is a remarkable feat achieved by JKRLM as being the host of a huge event where in the participation of SHG members from 17States/UTs was made possible”
He said such fairs provide a marketing platform to artisans who are unable to get a good price for their products
He further expressed his gratitude and acknowledgment towards the Comissioner Secretary Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Mandeep Kaur and Mission Director JKRLM Indu Kanwal Chib for their consistent support and persuasion in making the Saras Ajeevika Kashmir a grand success.
He thanked all the line departments for their contribution to making the Mela a success. He also thanked the entire team of JKRLM for their relentless efforts for making SaRAS Ajeevika Mela a grand success.
