Inauguration of the SARAS Raj Sakhi National Fair at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur, to Run Until December 30

Jaipur – Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, women from rural areas across the country are organized into self-help groups (SHGs) and provided with training and financial assistance to enhance their livelihoods. Through these groups, women traditionally engage in activities such as handicrafts, handloom production, and food-related enterprises.

On Saturday, the Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika), under the Rural Development Department, inaugurated the SARAS Raj Sakhi National Fair at Jawahar Kala Kendra and Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur. The event was virtually inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma. This fair will run from December 14 to December 30.

The fair showcases over 250 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products from nearly all states of the country, along with a diverse collection of regional handicrafts under one roof. Dedicated pavilions have been set up for different regions, enabling states to display their unique cultural artifacts. Over 300 women SHG members from various states are exhibiting and selling their products. Items on display include handicrafts, handlooms, food products, and items made using advanced techniques. Food stalls representing various states offer visitors a chance to savor traditional cuisines, enhancing the fair’s cultural richness and highlighting India’s diversity.

The handmade rural products have generated considerable enthusiasm among visitors. The food court, managed by women from different states, serves a variety of delectable dishes. These include Rajasthan’s Churma Dal Baati, Sikkim’s Momos, Thukpa, and Sel Roti, Assam’s Coconut Laddoos and Black Rice Kheer, West Bengal’s Luchi Curry, Telangana’s Veg Biryani and Dosa, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kahwa, Madhya Pradesh’s Pohas and Parathas, Gujarat’s Makki ki Roti and Dal Bhath, Himachal Pradesh’s Sidu Rajma, Tamil Nadu’s Beetroot Malt and Bonda, and Andhra Pradesh’s Organic Jaggery Powder.

Held during the peak tourist season, the fair is accompanied by an extensive promotional campaign, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors. This event serves as an ideal platform for SHG women to showcase and sell their unique handcrafted products. The fair celebrates the diversity of Indian states through their cultures, attire, languages, and traditional products. With over 250 GI-tagged items on display, the fair provides women artisans a superior stage to present their skills and achieve the best value for their creations.

A special feature of the 2024 SARAS Raj Sakhi Fair is the opportunity for buyers making purchases exceeding ₹2,000 to win exciting prizes through a lucky draw. Grand prizes include a brand-new car, while other prizes feature an Activa scooter, a laptop, and an Apple iPhone.

Present at the event at Jawahar Kala Kendra were Project Director Ajay Kumar Arya, along with department officials and employees.