Saras mela begins with fanfare in Gurugram

Replicating the grandeur of its 2023 edition, the Saras Aajeevika Mela 2024 started in the city on Sunday amidst huge fanfare. Pivoted around women empowerment, more than 900 women from villages across 30 states have set up more than 450 stalls at the mela.

The fair saw over 2,000 people visiting it on Day 1. It will be on till October 29 at Leisure Valley Ground in Sector 29.

“We got a huge response on the first day itself. The fair was a major success in 2023 and, thus, we got more artisans participating in the fair this year. We have ensured complete security and convenience right from wheel-chairs, toilets, ATMs, medical emergency and feeding rooms etc,” said Gurugram DC Nishant Yadav. The biggest crowd-puller is the food court featuring delicacies from the state.

Organised by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, the fair aims to market rural products.

Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, said the Saras Aajeevika Mela, organised for the past 26 years, has empowered rural women and provided a platform for showcasing traditional Indian art and culture.

“The initiative, part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission, supports over 90 lakh self-help groups, benefiting around 10 crore women,” said Sharma.