Patna: The Bihar Saras Mela is heading towards its September 29 closing, with sales crossing Rs 2.5 crore in the first seven days and visitor numbers exceeding three lakh.
Organised by JEEViKA under the Rural Development Department, Bihar, the fair has attracted large crowds at Gyan Bhawan, particularly over the weekend. Visitors have been shopping for handicrafts, traditional products and garments while sampling regional food.
Folk-Art Garments Draw Buyers
Garments inspired by traditional folk arts from different parts of the country have emerged as a major attraction at the fair.
Products featuring Bawan Booti, Sikki art, Sujuni, Katha and Bharwa art have recorded strong demand. Artisans and women entrepreneurs are showcasing these traditional techniques through garments and other products.
Saran Entrepreneur Sells Garments Worth Over Rs 1 Lakh
Rita Devi from Dighwara block in Saran district has emerged as one of the notable entrepreneurs at this year’s fair, selling kurtis and salwar suits worth more than Rs 1 lakh.
Rita Devi is associated with the Shyam JEEViKA Self-Help Group. Through JEEViKA’s support, she has received a platform to market her products at the large-scale Saras Mela.
She turned a sewing machine received from her maternal home and the skills passed down by her mother into a livelihood opportunity. Her small garment unit now provides employment to 18 JEEViKA women.
One of her distinctive practices is using fabric scraps to create new products. She incorporates Sujuni, Katha, Gudri and Bharwa art into kurtis and salwar suits, helping traditional designs reach contemporary buyers.
Sales Cross Rs 2.5 Crore In Seven Days
According to sales reports submitted by stall holders, the fair’s cumulative business had crossed Rs 2.5 crore by Sunday.
The figure is based on sales reported by individual exhibitors. The organisers said more than three lakh people had visited the fair by Sunday.
All 135 stalls have emerged as major attractions, while the 17 food stalls have also been drawing long queues from visitors looking to sample traditional dishes.
Buyer-Seller Dialogues Continue
The buyer-seller interaction programme organised by JEEViKA and Ernst & Young continued on Sunday.
Market experts discussed the quality, packaging and marketing of handicrafts and food products made by women entrepreneurs. They also offered suggestions on how traditional products can be developed into brands and taken to larger markets.
The sessions are intended to help rural women entrepreneurs understand market requirements and improve the presentation and reach of their products.
Focus On Visitor Facilities
The organisers have also highlighted arrangements for cleanliness, healthcare, assistance, security and CCTV surveillance at the venue.
Seating and drinking-water facilities have been provided for visitors, while the overall management of the fair has received appreciation from attendees.
The Bihar Saras Mela will remain open until September 29, giving visitors a final opportunity to explore and purchase handicrafts, traditional garments, food products and other items representing India’s diverse folk-art traditions.
