Women of Bhanwarpura Take Their Products from Local Markets to National Saras Fairs
Mahasamund, Sept 2026: Once confined to their homes and primarily engaged in family responsibilities, rural women are today writing a new story of self-reliance through their skills and hard work. Inspired by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and women’s empowerment, associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25-year journey in public service, the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihan’ is emerging as an important platform for organising women, strengthening their economic position and connecting them with the mainstream of development.
The women of the Naya Savera Women’s Self-Help Group, formed in Bhanwarpura village of Basna development block in Mahasamund district, have strengthened their livelihoods through collective efforts, skills and hard work. Their journey towards self-reliance has emerged as a source of hope and inspiration for other women in the village.
The group’s members have turned their traditional skills into a source of livelihood by producing Kosa silk sarees, shawls, dupattas, gamchas and other products. Support provided under the Bihan scheme, along with initiatives to create market opportunities, enabled the women to take their products beyond the local market and reach major cities across the country.
Today, the group’s members are contributing to their family incomes through their skills while moving forward with greater confidence and self-reliance.
Financial Support Gives Impetus to Economic Activities
The Naya Savera Women’s Self-Help Group, formed under the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission-Bihan, received the benefit of a revolving fund through the Basna Janpad Panchayat.
This financial assistance played an important role in accelerating the group’s economic activities. The women collectively prepared an action plan and began transforming their traditional skills into an organised business activity.
The quality and attractive designs of the Kosa sarees, shawls, dupattas, gamchas and other products prepared by the group attracted the attention of customers. Through Bihan, the group was identified and provided stalls at various Saras fairs organised at different locations.
Products Reach Bhilai, Raipur, Delhi, Visakhapatnam and Noida
Members of the Naya Savera Women’s Self-Help Group showcased their products at Saras fairs held in Bhilai, Raipur, Delhi, Visakhapatnam and Noida.
Customers at these fairs appreciated and purchased the Kosa sarees, shawls, dupattas, gamchas and other products made by the group.
The group recorded sales of Rs 1.25 lakh at the Saras fair in Bhilai, Rs 1.01 lakh in Raipur, Rs 78,000 in Delhi, Rs 82,500 in Visakhapatnam and Rs 3.21 lakh in Noida.
The group therefore achieved total sales of Rs 7,07,500 across the various Saras fairs.
The successful sale of their products at these fairs has created new opportunities for the women to strengthen their economic position and expand their livelihoods.
Growing Confidence and Expanding Local Business
Following their success at the Saras fairs, the women of the group have gained greater confidence and enthusiasm. The group is now also selling its products in the local market, providing the members with a continuous source of income.
Encouraged by the response to their products, the women are now working towards further expanding their business and strengthening their journey towards economic self-reliance.
