Patna: The Bihar Saras Mela at Gyan Bhawan in Patna continued to attract large crowds on its sixth day, with traditional handicrafts, rural products and indigenous food items drawing visitors from across the city.
Organised by JEEViKA under the Rural Development Department of the Bihar government, the fair will continue until September 29, 2026.
According to the organisers, more than Rs 1.26 crore worth of handicrafts, garments, jewellery, food products, artificial flowers, footwear, bedsheets, paintings and other items were sold during the first five days.
More than 1.25 lakh people visited the fair during its first six days, purchasing products and enjoying traditional and nutritious food.
135 Stalls Showcase Products From 15 States
The fair features 135 stalls operated by women entrepreneurs associated with self-help groups from Bihar and 14 other states.
Traditional crafts and artworks are being presented in contemporary designs, giving centuries-old art forms a fresh appeal among shoppers.
The showcased crafts include Sikki art, Madhubani painting, Tanjore art, Bawan Buti, Manjusha art, Tikuli art, Muga art, crochet work, Pattachitra, jute craft, silk-thread jewellery, appliqué and Sozni embroidery.
Visitors are purchasing garments, decorative pieces, handicrafts and jewellery as souvenirs and gifts for family members.
Young visitors are also showing interest in traditional art, with many choosing handmade products for home decoration and gifting.
Traditional Food and Organic Products in High Demand
Alongside handicrafts, indigenous and organic food products are attracting significant demand at the fair.
Pickles made from vegetables and fruits such as ol, drumstick, garlic, karonda and lemon are among the products being sold.
Other popular items include adaouri, danauri, papad, banana chips, flaxseed powder and flour made from maize, ragi, millet, rice and sorghum.
Katarni and Sonamati chura, rice and spiced jaggery are also witnessing strong demand.
Visitors have reportedly appreciated the taste and quality of these products, with several saying that finding similarly pure and flavourful items in urban markets can be difficult.
Buyer-Seller Meet Connects JEEVIKA Entrepreneurs With Markets
A buyer-seller meet was organised on Friday at the Saras Mela auditorium in Gyan Bhawan through a joint initiative of JEEViKA and Ernst & Young India.
The programme aimed to connect rural women entrepreneurs with buyers and market opportunities, helping their products reach wider markets.
Neera Munir Sharma, a well-known entrepreneur from Assam popularly called the “Bamboo Lady of India”, attended the event.
She explored the potential of bamboo art in Bihar and interacted directly with JEEViKA women entrepreneurs engaged in bamboo-based crafts.
Bamboo Entrepreneurs Receive Guidance on Modern Products
During the interaction, Sharma shared her experience regarding product quality, craftsmanship, finishing and market demand in the bamboo-art sector.
She offered suggestions on developing modern and useful products from bamboo, with the aim of helping women entrepreneurs expand their customer base and explore international markets.
The interaction provided an opportunity for artisans to understand changing consumer preferences and the importance of product design and quality in reaching new markets.
Didi Ki Rasoi and Shilp Gram Among Major Attractions
Several JEEViKA-led initiatives have emerged as major attractions at the fair.
These include Didi Ki Rasoi, Shilp Gram, Madhugram and the Janaki Stitching Centre.
Didi Ki Rasoi is drawing visitors for its traditional food offerings, while Shilp Gram is attracting children and young people through live demonstrations of handicraft-making.
The live demonstrations provide visitors with an opportunity to observe traditional craftsmanship and understand the skills involved in producing handmade items.
Rural Enterprise and Traditional Crafts Get a Platform
The Bihar Saras Mela aims to promote rural entrepreneurship and provide women associated with self-help groups with opportunities to showcase and sell their products.
The collaboration with market experts and the buyer-seller meet are intended to strengthen business connections and improve access to larger markets.
The fair has been decorated and developed by A.A.A. Creative Solutions Private Limited, which has combined a rural-themed setting with modern facilities across the venue.
With the event scheduled to continue until September 29, visitors can explore traditional crafts, food products and rural enterprises at Gyan Bhawan in Patna.
