Srinagar, October 11, 2025 – At the heart of Srinagar’s Sher-i-Kashmir Park, #SarasMelaKashmir2025 has emerged as a dazzling beacon of #femaleentrepreneurship and #ruralcraftsmanship, drawing thousands to celebrate the ingenuity of women from self-help groups (SHGs) across India. This 11-day extravaganza, running from October 4 to 14, transforms the park’s autumnal landscapes into a tapestry of colors, flavors, and stories of resilience, under the theme of #AatmanirbharBharat and #VocalForLocal.Organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) in collaboration with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the mela showcases over 200 artisans from 13 states and all districts of J&K, highlighting handmade treasures like handlooms, intricate handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, home decor, and regional delicacies. From the terracotta pottery of Rajouri’s SHGs to the vibrant weaves of Maharashtra and the smoked meats of Mizoram, each stall embodies the spirit of #womenempowerment and economic independence, fostering direct market linkages for these #LakhpatiDidis – women entrepreneurs earning over ₹1 lakh annually.Inaugurated on October 8 by Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Departments, the event underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods. “SARAS Mela is a powerful platform for rural women to expand their markets and weave their dreams into reality,” Dar remarked during the ceremony, emphasizing how initiatives like #SARASIndia connect grassroots talent to national audiences. Over 50 stalls buzz with activity, including a zero-waste #SARASIndia Food Court serving fusion delights on banana leaves – from Kashmir’s gushtaba to Northeast India’s bamboo shoots – while promoting biodegradable practices and a “Green Craft” award for eco-friendly innovation.Dr. Shubhra Sharma, Mission Director of JKRLM, described the mela as “a pan-India symphony of diversity, talent, and community spirit,” where every product tells a tale of perseverance. Attendees like local shikara rower Bilal Ahmed echo this sentiment: “It’s like India arrived at our doorstep – a feast for the senses and the soul.”
Cultural performances, selfie zones, and child-friendly entertainment zones add to the festive vibe, drawing families to immerse in #handloomheritage and #sustainablecraft.For Qamar ul Nissa, a four-year veteran of Rajouri’s SHG, the mela is transformative: “Our clay pots now reach homes across states, turning our skills into sustainable income.” With free entry from 10 AM to 7 PM daily, the event not only boosts sales but also inspires a new generation of #womenentrepreneurs, proving that rural voices can echo nationwide.As the sun sets over Dal Lake, #SarasMelaKashmir2025 stands as a testament to India’s rural heartbeat – vibrant, united, and unyieldingly creative. Visitors are urged to explore before it concludes on October 14, supporting the artisans who craft more than products: they craft futures.
