Gurgaon's Saras Ajeevika Mela Emphasizes Safety with Major Changes After Surajkund Tragedy
In a significant safety-oriented move, the Saras Ajeevika Mela in Gurgaon has eliminated all amusement rides for its current edition, opting instead for a dedicated children's play zone. This decision comes as authorities exercise heightened caution in the wake of a recent tragic incident at the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad, where a police inspector lost his life during a rescue operation involving a ride malfunction.
National Fair Showcases Women-Led Entrepreneurship and Cultural Diversity
The fourth national-level Saras Ajeevika Mela officially opened on Tuesday at Leisure Valley Park in Sector 29, Gurgaon. Organized under the auspices of the Union Ministry of Rural Development, the event features an impressive 450 stalls displaying a vast array of handicrafts, handlooms, organic products, and homemade goods. These items are crafted exclusively by women self-help groups representing every corner of India.
The fair is scheduled to run until February 26 and is projected to attract substantial crowds, building on last year's successful business turnover of approximately Rs 12 crore. Organizers are optimistic about surpassing previous records in both footfall and economic activity this year.
Inauguration and Participation Highlights
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will formally inaugurate the mela. More than 900 women entrepreneurs, recognized as Lakhpati Didis, from 28 states are actively participating in this grand exhibition.
Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, elaborated on the event's scale. "We have established over 450 stalls that present a wide spectrum of traditional handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, bamboo products, pottery, embroidery, and eco-friendly items. From the exquisite Pashmina of Kashmir to the luxurious silks of Tamil Nadu, and from the intricate embroidery of Rajasthan to the innovative bamboo crafts of Assam, this mela offers a vibrant and comprehensive display of India's rich cultural and artisanal heritage under a single roof."
She further noted that premium products created by these talented women are also accessible for purchase through the dedicated 'e-Saras' mobile application, extending the market reach beyond the physical event.
Culinary Delights and Educational Initiatives
A major highlight for visitors is the expansive food court, where each state has been allocated a dedicated stall to showcase its signature regional cuisine. Attendees can savor authentic dishes such as dal-bati-churma from Rajasthan, makki ki roti with sarson ka saag from Punjab, dosa-idli from South India, and a variety of Bengali sweets, all prepared using traditional cooking methods.
The mela also features a specialized 'Knowledge and Learning Pavilion' that hosts daily interactive workshops. These sessions cover essential business topics including product packaging, branding strategies, business proposal development, social media marketing techniques, and logistics and transportation management. To ensure sustained market access for the women entrepreneurs, the event is actively promoting tie-ups with various e-commerce platforms. Digital payment facilities are available throughout the venue to facilitate seamless transactions.
Live Demonstrations and Visitor Amenities
Live demonstrations by skilled artisans are captivating audiences, with real-time showcases of pottery making, traditional embroidery techniques, bamboo craft creation, and the production of eco-friendly products. The organizers have also arranged several visitor-friendly amenities to enhance the experience, including:
- Childcare services for families
- Designated resting areas for senior citizens
- Daily evening cultural performances by folk artists from different Indian states
By integrating safety protocols with a robust platform for women-led entrepreneurship, cultural exchange, and economic empowerment, the Saras Ajeevika Mela in Gurgaon stands as a testament to India's commitment to fostering rural development and celebrating its diverse artistic legacy.
