To support local craftsmanship and also create economic opportunities for rural artisans in India, the government has provided a platform for skilled workers to showcase products of their mastery.
Ahead of every Diwali, also known as festival of light, which is India’s biggest festival, the Ministry of Rural Development often initiates an intervention to intentionally empower rural artisans and promote eco-friendly Diwali celebrations at Gurugram.
The Saras Aajeevika Mela is a platform set up for hundreds of women entrepreneurs known as ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ to garner significant attention from buyers across Delhi and Gurugram.
“This has become a focal point to showcase a wide variety of handcrafted items made by rural artisans”, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Rural Development in India, Smriti Sharan told some selected journalists from 10 Central and West African countries during their visit to the fair at the invitation of the External Affairs Ministry of India.
The fair features a broad selection of traditional Diwali items, including handmade jewellery, Ganesh and Lakshmi idols, designer lamps, and home décor items.
“These items are crafted by over 900 women entrepreneurs. The initiative not only preserves traditional craftsmanship but also provides a vital source of income for artisans from multiple states,” Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary for Ministry of Rural Development added.
For most of the artisans, the initiative is exciting as they continue to see increasing demand for their handcrafted products.
Another significant highlight of the Saras Aajeevika Mela is the food court that presents all local dishes.
The Mela not only provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills but also allows buyers to support local craftsmanship.
Another similar intervention is the Dilli Haat in New Delhi.
The place is a unique market exhibiting a typical traditional aura of rural market in India and its one of the biggest and famous markets where you can buy contemporary products and handicrafts.
The permanent craft market, set up for only artisans, provides a robust platform for the traders to come to the capital city and sell their products such as sandalwood and rosewood carvings, metal ware, brass ware products, jewelry made from gems footwear etc.
“We’ve been getting positive response from buyers. A lot of people prefer coming here to purchase handcrafted items because this Dilli Haat market is known for displaying and selling of only original products”, an excited trader, Preeti Singh shared.
The best time to visit the glittering market is during the evening as one gets the opportunity to choose from variety of handcrafted products and also prices of items get more affordable.
