SURAT: In a continued effort to uplift and support the sisters of Sakhi Mandal, Surat Municipal Corporation has rolled out 92 stalls across nine zones in the city. These stalls, prominently displaying items for Navratri, including Chaniyacholi, aim to provide employment and financial assistance to these women.
Mayor Dakhesh Mavani emphasized that this initiative is an annual tradition upheld by the Surat Municipal Corporation. He proudly announced that the stalls have begun operations and are already witnessing positive returns. Highlighting the success, Mayor Mavani mentioned that previously set-up stalls at the airport enabled the sisters to earn a commendable Rs 4 lakh.
A remarkable feat this year has been the recycling of the Lord's clothes (Wagha) discarded during Ganesh Visarjan. Instead of letting these clothes pollute water bodies, they were meticulously collected at counters in the Municipal Corporation near all artificial ponds. Women of the Sakhi Mandal creatively repurposed these clothes, crafting Chaniya Choli, which are now on display and sale at the stalls. The sales directly benefit the sisters, strengthening their financial standing and subsequently supporting their families.
The "Navratri Mela-2023" is set to run from 11-10-2023 to 18-10-2023 in different zones, opening its doors to patrons from 11:00 am onwards. Some of the notable stall locations include:
- Outside Singanpore Multipurpose Hall in Katargam Zone, Surat.
- Udhna Zone-A near School Wall, Pandesara, Surat.
- Under Laldarwaja Bridge in Central Zone, opposite Khodiyar Mata Temple, Surat.
- Rander Zone School Children Home Party Plot, Adajan, Surat.
- Near Modern Town Vegetable Market in Limbayat Zone, Surat.
- In the eighth zone, near Kargil Circle and Anuvrat Dwar, Surat.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to support these stalls, enabling the Sakhi Mandal sisters to gain financial independence while celebrating the festive spirit of Navratri.
