Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025: Showcasing India’s Rich Rural Art, Craft, and Culture

The Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025, one of India’s most celebrated exhibitions of rural art, craft, and tradition, is set to take place at Noida Haat, Sector 33 A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This grand event, organized by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), will be held from 21st February to 10th March 2025. The Mela aims to promote and showcase the craftsmanship and artistry of Self Help Groups (SHGs) from across the country.

The event will be inaugurated by Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Ministers of State for Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Shri Kamlesh Paswan. This year’s theme, “Developing Export Potential of Lakhpati SHG Didis”, aligns with the government’s vision of self-reliant rural India and supports the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ campaigns initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

A Platform for Rural Artisans and SHGs

The Saras Aajeevika Mela provides an essential platform for rural artisans and Self Help Groups (SHGs) to display their handicrafts, handlooms, and food products. With participation from 30 states, the Mela features a wide variety of traditional and cultural goods that reflect India’s rich heritage.

Handloom and Handicrafts on Display

The Mela showcases a vast collection of handloom and handicraft products, highlighting the diversity of India’s textile traditions. Some of the key exhibits include:

• Andhra Pradesh – Kalamkari paintings and textiles
• Assam – Mekhla Chador, a traditional Assamese attire
• Bihar – Cotton and Silk fabrics
• Chhattisgarh – Kosa Saree, known for its elegance and texture
• Gujarat – Bharat Gunthan and Patchwork
• Jharkhand – Tasar Silk and Cotton weaves
• Madhya Pradesh – Chanderi and Bagh Print textiles
• Meghalaya – Unique Eri Silk products
• Odisha – Tasar and Bandha prints
• Tamil Nadu – Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
• Telangana – Pochampally Ikat weaving
• Uttarakhand – Pashmina Wool products
• West Bengal – Kantha, Batik Print, Tant, and Baluchari weaves

Apart from textiles, visitors can explore handcrafted jewelry, home décor items, and wooden artifacts from various states, making this event a treasure trove of authentic Indian craftsmanship.

Natural and Organic Food Products

In addition to handicrafts, Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 also presents a wide variety of natural and organic food products crafted by rural entrepreneurs. Visitors can explore:

• Ginger, tea, and coffee from the northeastern states
• Lentils, pulses, and spices from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
• Apple jam, papad, and pickles from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
• Traditional sweets and snacks from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal

With over 200 stalls showcasing rural India’s best products, this event serves as a perfect marketplace for both domestic and international buyers looking for authentic handmade goods.

A Gastronomic Journey Through India’s Cuisines

A highlight of the Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 is the Live Food Stalls section, featuring 25 stalls from 20 states, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the rich culinary diversity of India. Traditional dishes such as Makki di Roti-Sarson da Saag from Punjab, Dhokla from Gujarat, Litti Chokha from Bihar, Bamboo Shoot Curry from Northeast India, and Malabar Parotta from Kerala will be available for tasting and purchase.

Special Arrangements for an Inclusive Experience

To ensure that visitors of all ages and backgrounds can fully enjoy the event, the organizers have made special arrangements, including:

• Senior Citizen Assistance – Comfortable seating areas and transportation support for elderly visitors.
• Kids Zone – Engaging activities, games, and workshops for children.
• Mother’s Care Facilities – Dedicated areas for mothers with infants.
• Cultural Performances – Live folk music, dance performances, and storytelling sessions to celebrate India’s diverse cultural heritage.

Export Promotion Pavilion: A Boost for Rural Entrepreneurs

One of the major highlights of Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 is the Export Promotion Pavilion, which aims to develop the global reach of Self Help Group (SHG) products. The pavilion will:

• Provide information on international trade opportunities.
• Help SHGs connect with export markets.
• Conduct training sessions on export regulations, packaging, and marketing strategies.

This initiative will help skilled rural artisans find buyers beyond India, thus increasing their income and market presence on a global scale.

Empowering Rural India: A Vision for the Future

The Saras Aajeevika Mela is more than just an exhibition; it is a symbol of empowerment for rural artisans and entrepreneurs. By offering a direct market platform, the event eliminates the role of middlemen and ensures that the profits go directly to the producers. This initiative plays a crucial role in:

• Encouraging financial independence among rural women.
• Preserving traditional Indian crafts and skills.
• Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly products.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is striving towards ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’, focusing on rural development and economic growth through initiatives like Saras Aajeevika Mela.

Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 – Key Highlights

Category	Details
Why in News?	Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 is set to take place at Noida Haat, Sector 33 A, Noida, from 21st February to 10th March 2025. It promotes rural artisans and SHGs across India.
Organizer	Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with NIRDPR.
Inauguration	Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Shri Kamlesh Paswan (Ministers of State for Rural Development).
Theme	“Developing Export Potential of Lakhpati SHG Didis”, supporting ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ initiatives.
Participation	SHGs and rural artisans from 30 states showcasing handloom, handicrafts, and organic products.
Handloom & Handicrafts Display	Key exhibits: – Andhra Pradesh – Kalamkari paintings – Assam – Mekhla Chador – Bihar – Cotton & Silk fabrics – Chhattisgarh – Kosa Saree – Gujarat – Bharat Gunthan, Patchwork – Jharkhand – Tasar Silk, Cotton weaves – Madhya Pradesh – Chanderi, Bagh Print – Tamil Nadu – Kanchipuram Silk Sarees – West Bengal – Kantha, Batik Print, Tant, Baluchari weaves
Organic & Food Products	– Northeast – Ginger, tea, coffee – Rajasthan & MP – Pulses, spices – Himachal & Uttarakhand – Apple jam, pickles – Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra – Traditional sweets, snacks
Live Food Stalls	25 stalls from 20 states featuring: – Punjab – Makki di Roti-Sarson da Saag – Gujarat – Dhokla – Bihar – Litti Chokha – Northeast – Bamboo Shoot Curry – Kerala – Malabar Parotta
Special Arrangements	– Senior Citizen Assistance – Seating, transportation – Kids Zone – Activities & workshops – Mother’s Care Facilities – Dedicated areas – Cultural Performances – Folk music, dance, storytelling
Export Promotion Pavilion	– Information on international trade opportunities – Training on export regulations, packaging & marketing – Helping SHGs connect with global buyers
Objective	– Empowering rural artisans by eliminating middlemen – Encouraging financial independence among rural women – Promoting sustainable and eco-friendly products – Supporting ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ vision for rural economic growth

This Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 serves as a significant initiative to uplift rural entrepreneurs and expand their market reach, both domestically and internationally. 🚀