Hyderabad SARAS Mela records sales of ₹1.49 crore in two days

Hyderabad's SARAS Mela, organized by the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), witnessed a record-breaking sales of ₹1.49 crore over two days. The exhibition, held from October 7 to 18, brought together rural women entrepreneurs and artisans from across the country, offering them a platform to showcase their products to urban consumers.

The first day of the fair saw 54,556 visitors who spent ₹89.26 lakh, while the second day recorded 50,000 visitors generating sales of approximately ₹60 lakh. The mela features various stalls displaying handloom sarees, handicrafts, traditional food products, millets, and household items. Products from Kashmir, Kerala, and bamboo artisans have garnered significant attention from buyers.

Among the successful stall owners, Vemula Sridevi, a member of the self-help group movement, has built a ₹1-crore enterprise with her handloom unit. She secures a geographical indication (GI) tag for her products and has established her own brand. Similarly, Sanapa Subhadra, a participant from Mulugu district, sells ippa puvvu (Mahua flower) products, while Manga Pasula showcases Cheriyal masks and wall decorations.

Foreign nationals and prominent personalities have also shown interest in the exhibits, indicating the mela's appeal beyond the local market. The exhibition will continue till October 18, providing an invaluable platform for rural women entrepreneurs to reach wider audiences and boost their businesses.