Rajivika’s Sumangal Diwali Mela Concludes, Showcasing Traditional Crafts and Rural Cuisine

Jaipur, Oct 2025 : The Sumangal Diwali Mela 2025, organized by Rajasthan Rural Livelihoods Development Council (Rajivika) under the Department of Rural Development, concluded on Sunday at Indira Gandhi Panchayati Raj Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Jaipur. The closing ceremony was presided over by Project Director (Administration) Preeti Singh, with the District Project Manager, Jaipur, Rajivika officials, and a large number of self-help group (SHG) women members in attendance.

Women from SHGs expressed their gratitude to Rajivika, stating that the mela provided them a platform to showcase their skills and achieve economic empowerment. Many participants shared that it was their first time attending the mela, making this Diwali special and colorful, as selling their products gave them a new sense of self-reliance and prosperity.

In her address, the District Project Manager, Jaipur, said, “Many women are participating in the mela for the first time and are happy to earn through their hard work. They are inspiring each other. The purpose of life is joy, and this mela is a first step guiding them to new heights.”

Active participants from SHGs were honored with certificates of appreciation, and awards were presented for best-selling products and food stalls.

• Best Seller Awards:
  • 1st Prize: Goving SHG, Jaipur (Blue Pottery)
  • 2nd Prize: Chamunda SHG, Barmer (Embroidery Products)
  • 3rd Prize: Shri Ganesh SHG, Jaipur (Bagru Print Products)
• Food Stall Awards:
  • 1st Prize: Jai Bajrang Bali SHG, Sikar (Rajasthani Cuisine)
  • 2nd Prize: Saraswati SHG, Sawai Madhopur
  • 3rd Prize: Papalaj Mata SHG, Jaipur

The mela featured traditional crafts, garments, festival gift hampers, and rural cuisine, attracting significant attention. Traditional clay crafts such as Blue Pottery, Terracotta, and Black Pottery, textile prints like Bandhani and Ajrak, woolen shawls and jackets, applique suits, jute products, and folk art forms such as Mandala, Mandna, and Pichwai were highlights. Festival gift hampers beautifully combined traditional art, modern decor, and rural creativity.

The event achieved record sales exceeding ₹1 crore, reflecting the growing popularity and high quality of SHG women’s products. Female entrepreneurs from various districts showcased and sold their products successfully, taking significant steps toward self-reliance and empowerment. The mela was not only a celebration of rural women entrepreneurship but also a platform inspiring tradition, innovation, and economic independence.