BIHAR SARAS MELA REVIVES THE ART OF HANDICRAFTS

BIHAR SARAS MELA REVIVES THE ART OF HANDICRAFTS

18-SEP-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA---------------------------The sales and purchase figures at the Saras Mela have reached 1.5 crore in five days. So far, more than 1.5 lakh connoisseurs of handicrafts have visited the fair. On Tuesday, September 16th, products and food items worth approximately ₹33,87,000 were bought and sold. Visitor numbers also increased on Wednesday.

The Bihar Saras Mela, aimed at promoting rural entrepreneurship, is being held at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, from September 12th to 21st, 2025. This first edition of the current financial year has already completed half its journey. Consequently, handicrafts produced under the category of handicrafts are being bought and sold in full swing. Pure indigenous and traditional artifacts are easily appealing to visitors, and their admirers cannot resist purchasing them. Similar is the case with indigenous cuisine. Everyone is enjoying the delicious food items from various regions. More than ₹20,000 worth of indigenous, pure, and nutritious dishes are being bought and sold daily from Jeevika Didi's kitchen. Additionally, famous indigenous sweets and dishes from 22 states, including Bihar, are attracting visitors.

All 130 stalls at the Saras Mela are equipped with modern technology and All stalls are fully digital. Cashless shopping is available at all stalls. Visitors are also making cashless purchases. Two customer service centers are also operated by Jeevika Didi's at the Saras Mela premises. After sales, stall holders deposit their money at the customer service center. The customer service center typically receives deposits of over 50,000 rupees daily. Withdrawals are also available from the customer service center.

On Wednesday evening, artists from Zakir Guitar Classes performed old songs on the Saras stage, accompanied by modern instruments.

Rural women entrepreneurs from self-help groups across 22 states are introducing visitors to the flavors, culture, traditions, handicrafts, and artifacts, demonstrating that despite relatively low education, struggle, courage, strength, and passion are sure to lead to success. Driven by a desire to achieve something, rural women have stepped out of their homes and are now established as skilled women entrepreneurs on the national stage.

Handicrafts are now gaining popularity. It has come out of the era of extinction and has been established through Saras Mela. In this biggest market of handicrafts, many stalls are also going on for live production and display of crafts and artefacts. Apart from the modern market, encouraging rural crafts, the craze of the visitors towards Bihar Saras Mela is worth seeing.