SARAS Aajeevika Fair showcases rural Entrepreneurship & cultural heritage

SHILLONG, Dec 12: The 5th SARAS Aajeevika Fair 2024, which got under way last week at Mawiong, has emerged as one of the most prestigious government initiatives.
The fair—theamtised on ‘Tradition, Art, Craft, and Culture’ and focused on ‘One District One Product’ pavilion—not only celebrates cultural heritage but also shares the inspiring stories of rural women entrepreneurs on a national platform.
The 10-day event, which began on December 5, is showcasing the cultural richness and rural entrepreneurship of Meghalaya and other parts of India. It is also serving as an ideal meeting ground for buyers and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and promote local products.
At the fair, visitors are treated to an array of local offerings, from pickles to handicrafts, with every item capturing attention.
Beyond the vibrant displays of local handicrafts and mouth-watering cuisines, the festival also organises various activities to connect local producers and self-help groups (SHGs) with potential buyers.
One of the participants, Brenita Sangma from Demdema in Garo Hills, has set up a stall showcasing products made by her Young Women group.
Brenita has shared that people appreciate their locally made items and that such fairs create ample employment opportunities for local communities.
The fair also features exquisite handicrafts and handloom products from remote areas of Meghalaya and rural India, with hundreds of craftsmen and SHG members participating.
Ibaphirasisha Kynter from Ri-Bhoi, who is displaying her handicraft items, remarked that the quality of Meghalaya’s products has been well-received even in states like Haryana, and such initiatives help them connect with buyers.
This year’s fair also highlights the unique traditional crafts and diverse livelihood products from Meghalaya, other Northeastern states and across India.
According to State Mission Manager of Non-Farm Livelihoods, Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society, Rinky Kyndait, the SARAS Fair is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development to provide stakeholders with a platform to engage with buyers.
With around 100 stalls set up, the fair, which concludes on December 15, also fosters cultural exchange, bringing together participants from different states of the country.