From Pochampally Ikat sarees to rural food products, SARAS Mela from October 7 to 18 in Hyderabad to showcase village enterprises

From Pochampally, Gadwal and Narayanpet handloom sarees to traditional food products, handicrafts and millets, products made by rural artisans and women entrepreneurs from across the country will be showcased at the SARAS Mela in Hyderabad from October 7 to 18.

The mela is being organised at the HMDA Grounds adjacent to the IMAX theatre, with 204 stalls being set up by participants from different States, including 95 from Telangana.

The annual event will provide rural women entrepreneurs, artisans and self-help groups an opportunity to take their products directly to urban consumers and explore new markets.

Of the 95 participants from Telangana, 32 will showcase handicrafts, 20 handloom products and 30 food products. Four participants will display herbal products, three production items and six will operate live food stalls.

The SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) initiative aims to provide marketing support to rural women artisans associated with self-help groups and help them secure sustainable livelihoods and become economically self-reliant.

The mela is being organised by the Telangana government through the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) under the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department. “The mela is aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship, strengthening rural livelihoods and creating better market opportunities for self-help group products. Women entrepreneurs and artisans from different States will bring their products to a common platform, allowing them to learn from one another and share marketing practices. The mela is also expected to help participants establish market linkages, secure bulk orders and explore business partnerships,” said SERP CEO Divya Devarajan.

Products from Telangana will include Kalamkari and embroidered sarees, wooden toys, jute and leather bags, terracotta articles, Banjara handicrafts, herbal products and other traditional artworks. Visitors can also buy Telangana snacks, pickles, spice powders, millets and other food products.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said direct interaction with consumers at the SARAS Mela would help rural women entrepreneurs expand their businesses and strengthen their livelihoods.