Patna: In Bodh Gaya, a small town in Bihar’s Gaya district, sweets can now be both indulgent and healthy, thanks to the ingenuity of Pushpalata, a member of the Jeevika self-help group. Her laddoos, pedas, and tilkuts—made entirely from Neera, a natural palm sap—are attracting attention not only across India but also internationally.
At the Bihar Saras Mela, held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, the Bodh Gaya stall has become one of the most visited attractions. Visitors flock to sample the sugar-free sweets and inquire about their health benefits. Contrary to common misconceptions that Neera is intoxicating, group members emphasise that it is completely natural, nutritious, and safe for consumption.
The Jeevika self-help group runs a permanent shop near the Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya. During the Saras Mela, daily sales reportedly range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, driven by demand among diabetic patients and health-conscious consumers.
The initiative has caught the eye of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who visited the Bodh Gaya shop on April 16, 2022 and again returned to the Patna fair on January 21, 2023. He praised the self-help group for combining traditional craftsmanship with health-conscious innovation. International tourists, particularly from Thailand and Japan, are also buying these sweets, highlighting the global appeal of local products.
The Bihar Saras Mela itself has broken records this year, with business worth Rs 2.25 crore conducted in just the first three days. More than 500 stalls run by Jeevika “Didis” (women self-help group members) offer visitors a chance to explore traditional crafts, flavours, and learn about state welfare schemes.
Pushpalata’s Neera sweets represent more than just a culinary innovation—they are a testament to the power of self-employment and women’s empowerment in Bihar. Her story demonstrates how local ingenuity, when paired with opportunity, can achieve recognition on both national and international stages.
