Patna: The Bihar Saras Mela is drawing visitors to Gyan Bhawan in Patna, bringing together rural artisans, self-help groups and women entrepreneurs from 15 states to showcase traditional crafts, regional products, food and culture.
The fair was inaugurated on September 20 by Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar. More than 24,000 people visited the mela on the opening day, generating sales of over Rs 20.28 lakh.
The opening-day response has highlighted demand for handmade, organic and traditional products offered by rural women entrepreneurs.
Buyers Meet Connects Rural Products With Larger Markets
On the second day, a Buyers and Sellers Meet was organised at the Gyan Bhawan auditorium by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEViKA) in association with Ernst & Young.
The meeting focused on connecting rural products with larger markets, branding opportunities and sustainable marketing channels.
Discussions covered the production, quality, marketing and branding of products including Govind Bhog and Sonachur rice, Mithila makhana, millets, banana chips and powder, and turmeric, cumin and chilli powders.
Representatives of Vasant Impex, DTPC, Dualcraft Private Limited, Flipcraft, Vijaya Ventures and Nobel participated as buyers.
The buyers offered suggestions on product quality, packaging and consistent supply and expressed interest in placing larger orders.
‘Biharika’ To Promote JEEViKA Products
JEEViKA officials and experts also trained participating women entrepreneurs on product quality, packaging, branding, pricing and online marketing.
The experts said JEEViKA products would receive national and international exposure through the ‘Biharika’ brand.
The experts included JEEViKA Program Coordinator Mahua Roy Chowdhury, State Project Manager Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh and District Project Manager Madhavi Chowdhury.
Traditional Crafts From Across India
The mela features Bihar’s Madhubani painting, Bawan Buti, Sujani, Sikki craft, terracotta and Bhagalpuri silk.
Products from other states include Rajasthan’s lac bangles, Gujarat’s Bandhej, Maharashtra’s Paithani, Goa handicrafts, West Bengal’s jute craft, Assam’s bamboo products and South Indian spices.
The Shilpgram Mahila Utpadak Samuh Limited stall features garments and handicrafts made by JEEViKA women from across Bihar, while the Madhugram Mahila Utpadak Samuh Limited stall is showcasing honey.
Handicrafts, Clothing And Toys Draw Buyers
Visitors are purchasing sarees, salwar suits and nightwear, along with garments featuring Phulkari and Chikan embroidery. Products made from Khadi, silk, Matka, cotton and Kosa fabrics are also being sold.
Home décor products including carpets, rugs, easy chairs, lamps, chandeliers, torans, artificial flowers and planters are among the other attractions.
Traditional toys such as spinning tops, pinwheels, damrus, kit-kits, yo-yos, dugdugis, chakris and nameplates are also attracting buyers.
Traditional Food Adds To The Attraction
The food court offers traditional delicacies, including Litti-Chokha at the JeeViKA Didi Ki Rasoi stall.
Visitors can also purchase pickles, papad, danvari, advari, sattu, makhana, Katarni rice, chuda and jaggery products to take home.
Natural dried flowers, bonsai plants, succulents, organic turmeric juice and other eco-friendly plants are also being showcased.
Visitors said the mela provides an opportunity to experience products and cultural traditions from across India at one venue, while describing the products as affordable and largely natural and traditional.
