Pragati (Progress)with Saras Aajeevika Mela at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi....

Pragati (Progress)with Saras Aajeevika Mela at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.....

Saras, means something which is the best and excellent, it is not only beautiful but also made with skill. Saras Aajeevika is also the name given to the exhibition and sale of products made by women of the self help groups of NRLM.
NRLM works for the empowerment of women through self help groups. The women who are capacitated through social and financial inclusion leading to sustainable livelihoods produce or create several goods. Providing backward and forward linkages for marketing to these groups is one of the key interventions done by NRLM. The Saras Aajeevika Mela is one such initiative. The Saras Mela which began at Delhi from today will be there till 7th March 2019 at the hall no.7, 10 and 11 of Pragati Maidain.
Delhi is not only a city of connoisseurs but also has patrons visiting various exhibitions. Year after year crowds throng to the IITF or Surajkund Mela or any other crafts mela. They should certainly visit #aajeevika Saras because it show cases unique handcrafted and handmade products made by 700 women artisans. Secondly, there will be a lot of variety as all the states and union territories would be participating in it. The third reason of course would be the fact that most of these products would not be easily available in Delhi.
Twelve groups of women have come from Maharashtra with a variety of products including soaps, cosmetics, textiles, food products, spices, handicrafts and footwear.
Three groups have different kinds of spices that includes a variety of masala and pickles from Kolhapur and Satara. Original Kolhapuri chappals, footwear from Kolhapur. Cashews, Mango pulp, shell items and bamboo handicrafts from Sindhudurg. The oil of kokum from Sindhudurg is worth trying as it heals cracked heels. Another interesting product is the goat milk soap and goat milk cold cream from Wardha which promises clear transluscent skin. Colourful kurtis and nighties would be worth buying.
Ghongdis, which are thick , heavy health friendly blankets would be extremely useful. Though the material maybe coarse it will certainly make your warm in winters and cool in summers apart from driving away all the aches and pains. Delicious chikki different from the north Indian gazak made from groundnut, musk melon seeds and flax seeds and the yummy Bhakar Wadi were most tempting. There are different grains and millet along with bright dry red chillies to zing to your life. Paintings to beautify your house and jewellery to pep up your look. All of this is on display and for sale at Saras Aajeevika.
The women from others states have also brought several interesting products.at the exhibition. 
Kudumbashree, the SRLM from Kerala will set up a catering service for selling delicious food.
A visit to Saras Aajivika mela will therefore not leave you disappointed it has  something in it for everyone. So pick up your bags and rush to shop. What stops you from making yourself and the rural women also happy....Be Saras and Buy Saras....