Merry Christmas from Mahalakshmi Saras Mart.....

Merry Christmas from Mahalakshmi Saras Mart....

Christmas is synonymous with celebrations, joy and cheer. It is also a time for gifting and so most of us are keen to buy something unique. Many of us also want to be associated with a cause and what could be better than associating with MSRLM Umed and the cause of women empowerment? 

MSRLM Umed works for the empowerment of women by creating self help groups and community based organizations. Their capacity building leads them to sustainable livelihoods through farm and non-farm livelihoods. The products they make are marketed on various forums. The Mahalakshmi Saras Mart at Gram Vikas Bhavan, Kharghar is one among them. 

Keeping in line with the festive season Christmas is being celebrated there in various hues. 

The celebrations began today with a fancy dress competition. It was heartening to see tiny tots from the age of two to children upto the age of ten dressed in colorful costumes. Some posed as fairies, some sang and danced, one spoke on the ill effects of social media. The cat-walk of one of the participants inspired others to join and added life. 

Presently SHGs from Amravati district have come with various products. Shri Ganesh SHG has brought a variety of pounded items like moringa leaf- ( drumstick leaves ) powder, curry leaves powder, fenugreek leaves powder, mint-pudina powder, green masala and tea masala. 

The home made masalas and turmeric are very popular as also the variety of pickles. While mango and lemon pickles continue to be popular the SHGs have also brought bitter gourd and turmeric pickles which are extremely tasty. The variety of papad is certainly enticing. I however went ahead and bought soya Idli mix, soya dhokla mix, amla candy.

Cakes are the most sought after during Christmas season, some SHGs have brought tuti-fruity to make the cakes tastier. Moha Laddoos, raajgira laddoos made my mouth water. Gomutra and Dhoop made from organic material as well as incense sticks would be useful in the house. 

First grade cashew nuts as well as broken kaju from Ratnagiri, groundnut ladoos from Latur, Sheep wool quilt from Solapur, copper artefcats from Raigad,  baatik textiles from Ambernath and  Warli paintings from Palghar  are the signature items available for gifting. Pure buffalo milk ghee emitting heavenly aroma would make you want more. Wheat and ragi cookies melted in the mouth. 

Liquid bartan wash for washing utensils, phenyle to keep homes fresh and goat milk soap for a fresh bath looked attractive. 

Women from Melghat, the remotest area inhabited by tribals had brought exquisite items of bamboo to spread Christmas cheer through gifting. I was surprised to see that most of the visitors and parents of the children participating in the fancy dress competition did not know about Amravati or Melghat. I was once again reminded of the disparities of urban and rural life which was devoid of sensitivities for the struggle of the rural brethren. 

MSRLM Umed was trying to bridge that gap by making citizens sensitive to the needs of rural life. The week long Christmas celebrations at the Gram Vikas Bhavan were interspersed with information and knowledge about SHGs and also interesting events like drawing competition, art and craft, mehndi and dream catcher. 

For the foodies and the food lovers mouthwatering batatawadas, thaleepith, regular lunch , breakfast is also available. 

So make the most of the festive season, shop till you drop, eat till you burp and smile because life's little pleasures are wonderful treasures. Instead of expecting gifts form Santa let is all become Santas by gifting things made by SHGs to ourselves , our families and friends. This would not only promote the cause of women empowerment but make you personally satisfied. So come on spread the Christmas cheer, Life is beautiful.....

P.S : Christmas week is being celebrated at the Mahalakshmi Saras Mart, Gram Vikas Bhavan, Kharghar, till 2nd January 2020 and will end with the grand finale and prize distribution. Please do visit.....