Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission on Wednesday set out SARAS Ajeevika Mela Kashmir 2023 at the Banks of Dal Lake. In the Mela 70 different stalls have been set up with 38 Stalls from outside the UT of Jammu and Kashmir depicting the Rural Indian art and culture. The spot is a true blend of the products from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Besides stalls displaying handicrafts and handloom products, food stalls with traditional cuisines from across the country are set up. Recreational activities, games for kids and soul soothing music are distinct features serving as the main attraction for the visitors, besides the famous Dal Lake.
SHG members of DAY NRLM from the States of Bihar, Punjab, Kerela, Maharashtra and others experience this Fair as one of the wishes becoming a reality. Under the beautiful Spring Sun, besides the beautify Dal View, SHG members from the country seem to be content with their association with DAY NRLM and the opportunities the Mission provides them to stand up for their financial independence. Each stall is occupied by a woman SHG member confidently selling off their products. A range of products including unique jewelry from Himachal Pradesh, Home made Banana chips, pure Coconut oil from Kerela, silk and khadi Suits/sari and dupatta from Bihar. Gift items and home utilities from Rajasthan. Spices, cane handicraft items from Meghalaya, antique coin jewelry from Maharashtra, Millets and herbal cleaning agents from Skimm, Jute Bags and silk bags from Utrakhand. Essential oils and natural fragrances diffusers from Doda, beautifully crafted willow baskets and hand bags from Ganderbal. Hand grinded Maize flour from Kishtwar. Bamboo fruit bowls, and stools from Reasi. Hand made jewelry and Silk bags from Delhi A variety of home made pickles from Punjab. Hygienic Dry apricots and velvet fabric from Ladakh. Rajma and lavender from Kishtawar. Crewel embroidery curtains and cushion covers from Srinagar.
The first day of the Mela witnessed a relatively huge footfall of locals and tourists from outside, While as in the coming days the spot is expected to be overcrowded by the visitors.
On the sidelines of the Mela speaking with the scribes Additional Mission Director Reyaz Ahmad Beigh said that SARAS is a platform for helping the rural women Artisans to sell off their products. JKRLM Umeed has been constantly working for making available the marketing avenues for the SHGs. SARAS Mela is expected to have a huge turnover over a period of 11 days.
