SARAS Aajeevika Returns to Jammu: A Celebration of Art, Craft,& Culture

Jammu: The much-awaited second edition of the SARAS Aajeevika 2.0 is all set to enliven Jammu at the vibrant Aquaplex crown ,Bagh-e-Bahu commencing from February 10th, 2024.
Organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under the aegis of the Department of Rural Development & Panchayti Raj, this Ten-day extravaganza promises to be a celebration of art, craft, culture, and cuisine, resonating with the essence of ‘vocal for local’. Showcasing the rich tapestry of Pan India, the event aims to provide a platform for rural self-help group women artisans of DAY- NRLM to display their unique talents and products.
Visitors to the SARAS Aajeevika Mela can expect a diverse range of beautifully crafted handloom and handicraft products, including textiles, pottery, woodwork, metalwork, paintings, and more. The mela will also feature traditional music and dance performances, adding to the vibrant ambiance and celebrating the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Giving details Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib said that the, SARAS Aajeevika provides a platform for rural women to display their goods and create a market for them to sell their products directly to customers. It also allows them to understand customer preferences and choices, enhance and reinvent their products, and sharpen their marketing abilities.
The Mela features handicrafts, handlooms, and natural food products from diverse rural regions of India. The event is solely managed by rural women, and everything displayed is made by them and will be sold only by them. The venue is equipped with essential facilities, including drinking water, toilets, security, and medical services. Stringent fire safety protocols have been implemented, and first-aid kiosks along with 24×7 ambulance services will be readily available, she maintained
Apart from the exhibition and sale of products, the SARAS Ajeevika jammu will feature various cultural programs and activities to engage and entertain visitors and measures such as avoiding plastic use and promoting sustainable practices like cloth bags and paper packaging will be encouraged during the mela. Waste management systems will be put in place to ensure cleanliness and hygiene, she said. She further informed that entry to the fair will be free, and it will be open daily from 10 am to 8:00pm, offering visitors the opportunity to explore around 60 stalls displaying a variety of art and craft. Additionally, a workshop will be organized for women of self-help groups to enhance their marketing skills.