An expansive edition of SARAS MELA hosted by JKRLM in Jammu

An expansive edition of SARAS MELA hosted by JKRLM in Jammu

¨     An expansive edition of the SARAS MELA has been hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) at Kala Kendra in Jammu, beginning 31 January, and continuing until 9 February.

¨     The national-level event has been organised as a ten-day fair aimed at showcasing rural creativity, culture and entrepreneurship from across the country.

¨     The mela has been designed to bring rural women entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir and other states onto a common platform.

¨     The event has been intended to strengthen women’s empowerment by enabling Self-Help Group members to display and sell their products directly to consumers.

¨     Rural women have been provided an opportunity to connect with urban buyers, gain exposure to modern branding practices and understand consumer preferences.

¨     Traditional handicrafts, handlooms, indigenous food products and locally made items has been highlighted as part of the exhibition.

¨     The mela served as a space for cultural exchange, with artisans presenting region-specific crafts that reflected India’s diverse heritage.

¨     Each stall has been described as representing not only a product but also the identity, skills and traditions of the women behind it.

¨     The event aimed to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship by transforming rural skills into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

¨     Visitors were offered an immersive experience through interaction with artisans, creating awareness about rural craftsmanship and community-based enterprises.