Complying with "Plastic Mukta Tripura Abhijan," this year's SARAS Mela in Tripura has showcased eco-friendly products and organic crafts
Last year Saras Mela drew a footfall of more than 1 lakh, and sales amounted to Rs. 1.58 crore. This year, the Mela has already achieved sales of Rs. 2 crore in the first seven days, with a footfall of around 80,000.
Guwahati: As the vibrant 18th Regional SARAS Mela unfolds in Tripura, Business North East delves into the profound impact it has on the local economy, shedding light on the cultural richness and economic empowerment it brings to the region.
Saras Mela, a fixture in the cultural calendar of Tripura, mirrors similar events across India, serving as a paramount platform to showcase and promote traditional arts, crafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage from various states and regions.
In an exclusive interview with an official from the SMMU Tripura Livelihood Mission, Business North East explores how this annual event becomes a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange.
Speaking exclusively to Business North East, the official stated, "The Mela serves as a platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs), SHG artisans, craftsmen, and small-scale entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products, thereby boosting sales and income, directly impacting the local economy."
Moreover, the event generates temporary employment opportunities for women within SHGs, spanning roles in event management, security, and vendor services throughout Mela. This not only adds to the economic impact but also empowers women in the community.
Saras Mela acts as a window to Tripura's rich cultural heritage, featuring handicrafts, handlooms, and traditional products. The exposure garnered not only aids in preserving traditional arts but also opens new markets and customers for SHG artisans, fostering growth and sustainability.
Tourists and visitors flock to the Mela from neighbouring regions and other parts of the country, leading to increased sales for local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. Last year's sales amounted to Rs. 1.58 crore, drawing a footfall of more than 1 lakh. This year, the Mela has already achieved sales of Rs. 2 crore in the first seven days, with a footfall of around 80,000, reflecting its continued popularity and economic significance, reported the official.
The primary focus of Saras Mela is to promote and showcase traditional arts, crafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage. It serves as a significant marketplace for artisans, craftsmen, and weavers, fostering the preservation and promotion of India's diverse cultural traditions. The Mela aims to empower these artisans by providing growth opportunities and exposure.
Networking opportunities during the Mela facilitate connections among SHG artisans, entrepreneurs, and potential buyers or collaborators, setting the stage for future partnerships and business opportunities beyond the event.
The event plays a pivotal role in promoting and preserving the rich heritage of handicrafts and handlooms. It empowers SHG artisans and craftsmen, particularly those from rural areas and marginalized communities, by providing a platform to display their skills and earn a livelihood. The participants, engaged in various traditional crafts, showcase unique and traditional products, ranging from pottery, handloom weaving, woodwork, metalwork, embroidery, jewellery making, and cottage industries, to traditional food offerings with regional cuisines and local delicacies.
Beyond its economic impact, Saras Mela fosters cultural exchange by showcasing the diverse traditions, food, art, and music of Tripura. This not only educates visitors but also instils an appreciation for the state's cultural heritage.
Commenting on the selection process for entrepreneurs at the Mela, the official stated that SHG entrepreneurs are chosen based on the uniqueness and quality of their products, adherence to traditional techniques, and their potential contribution to the event's cultural richness. The selection process may vary based on the organizing committee, regional committees, or the governmental body overseeing the event, with the overarching aim of providing a diverse and authentic representation of India's traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
The Fair, acting as a catalyst for economic growth in rural areas, empowers artisans, entrepreneurs, and traders, fostering skill development, and contributing to the preservation of India's rich cultural heritage. The event generates temporary employment opportunities in rural areas, especially concerning logistics, setup, and during the fair itself, thereby directly impacting the rural economy by providing a platform for artisans and craftsmen to earn additional income, contributing to poverty alleviation and economic upliftment.
Participation in such fairs involves workshops, training sessions, and interactions with other artisans, facilitating skill enhancement, knowledge exchange, and exposure to new techniques, thereby benefiting the artisans' craftsmanship.
The main attractions of SARAS Mela often revolve around the authenticity and diversity of the crafts and cultural heritage showcased. While specific plans can vary each year, the emphasis is typically on providing a platform that highlights India's rich traditions, crafts, and the talents of its artisans.
In the 18th Regional SARAS Mela, workshops and demonstrations by skilled SHG artisans are organized to showcase traditional crafting techniques, allowing visitors to witness craftsmanship firsthand. Given the growing emphasis on sustainability and to comply with "Plastic Mukta Tripura Abhijan," this year's SARAS Mela will showcase eco-friendly products, organic crafts, or initiatives promoting sustainable practices among artisans.
Specific zones highlighting different crafts such as pottery, handloom weaving, metalwork, and others have been created, allowing visitors to explore and understand each craft's uniqueness.
The Mela promises an authentic experience with specific zones highlighting different crafts, providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and understand the uniqueness of each craft, stated the SMMU, TRLM official to Business North East.
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