Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the SARAS Mela and State-Level Grand Sales Exhibition

Chennai: Honourable Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the SARAS Mela and the State-Level Grand Sales Exhibition today (27.12.2024) at YMCA Grounds, Nandanam, Chennai. Organized by the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation, the exhibition features products made by women’s self-help groups (SHGs) across India.

In this event, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin introduced the “MADHI” brand, aimed at making SHG products more accessible to the public in an organized marketing setup. The Union Government’s Rural Development Department, in collaboration with various state governments, organizes SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) exhibitions to promote rural artisans and their products.

The exhibition at the YMCA Grounds includes 110 stalls showcasing unique items, such as Andhra Pradesh’s intricate wood carvings, Telangana’s Kalamkari sarees, Kerala’s traditional snacks, Gujarat’s handwoven fabrics, Bihar’s Madhubani paintings, Maharashtra’s Warli paintings, West Bengal’s terracotta products, and Puducherry’s millet-based foods.

Additionally, Tamil Nadu’s SHGs have presented a wide range of items, including Thanjavur dancing dolls, Nachiyar lamps, Cuddalore cashew brittles, Dharmapuri millet snacks, Erode cotton mats, Kanchipuram silk sarees, Sivagangai traditional rice varieties, and Tiruvannamalai herbal products. The exhibition also features 10 exclusive stalls for traditional and healthy food products.

The SARAS Mela, open daily from December 27, 2024, to January 9, 2025, between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, offers free parking and cultural programs. Notable dignitaries attending the event include Health Minister Mr. Ma. Subramanian, School Education Minister Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Chennai Mayor Mrs. R. Priya, MP Mrs. Tamizhachi Thangapandian, MLAs, and senior officials.

Issued by: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9.