From Pochampally Ikat sarees to rural food products, SARAS Mela from October 7 to 18 in Hyderabad to showcase village enterprises

The SARAS Mela, an annual event showcasing village enterprises, will be held in Hyderabad from October 7 to 18. The mela, organized by the Telangana government through the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty, will feature products from rural artisans and women entrepreneurs across the country. Located at the HMDA Grounds adjacent to the IMAX theatre, 204 stalls will be set up by participants from different states, with 95 stalls from Telangana alone.

The event aims to provide marketing support to rural women artisans, helping them secure sustainable livelihoods and explore new markets. Among the 95 Telangana participants, 32 will showcase handicrafts, 20 will display handloom products, and 30 will exhibit food products. Four participants will present herbal products, three will offer production items, and six will operate live food stalls.

SERP CEO Divya Devarajan emphasized that the mela promotes women's entrepreneurship, strengthens rural livelihoods, and creates better market opportunities for self-help group products. Visitors can expect to find Telangana products like Kalamkari and embroidered sarees, wooden toys, jute and leather bags, terracotta articles, Banjara handicrafts, herbal products, and traditional artworks. Additionally, Telangana snacks, pickles, spice powders, millets, and other food products will be available for purchase.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka highlighted that direct interaction with consumers at the SARAS Mela would enable rural women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and strengthen their livelihoods.