Rajkot, May 6 – Following an enthusiastic public response, the ongoing ‘Saras Mela-2’ at Rajkot’s Racecourse Ground has been extended by 10 more days and will now continue until May 15. The decision was jointly made by the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (GLPC) and the Rajkot District Rural Development Agency.
Originally scheduled from April 25 to May 4, the fair witnessed a strong turnout and impressive sales, with over Rs. 59.5 lakh worth of handicrafts sold by women from more than 50 self-help groups (Sakhi Mandals) across Gujarat. In the extended period, an additional 50 self-help groups will be given the opportunity to showcase and sell their products.
With 61 stalls, including 50 dedicated to handicrafts and 11 live food stalls serving regional delicacies, the mela has emerged as a vital platform for rural women's self-reliance and economic empowerment. It has provided a unique space for women artisans to not only generate income but also gain market exposure.
The Saras Mela initiative aligns with the Gujarat government’s Mission Mangalam, launched in 2010 to provide sustainable livelihoods to rural women. Under this mission, women receive training, access to microloans, revolving funds, and marketing support.
Rajkot district currently has 5,238 active self-help groups. These groups are engaged in producing a wide range of goods such as woolen crafts, imitation jewellery, Ayurvedic products, wooden toys, incense sticks, and oxidized ornaments. According to the latest taluka-wise data, the number of active Sakhi Mandals includes 328 in Dhoraji, 757 in Gondal, 320 in Jamkandorna, 784 in Jasdan, 428 in Jetpur, 427 in Kotda Sangani, 397 in Lodhika, 426 in Paddhari, 583 in Rajkot, 333 in Upleta, and 455 in Vinchhiya.
More than just a marketplace, Saras Mela has become a grassroots movement promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and women-led development. The continued success of this fair not only highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of rural women but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth in Gujarat’s rural communities.
