Kudumbashree is one of the largest women organizations in the country working towards elimination of rural poverty. Kudumbashree is also designated as the State Rural Livelihood Mission under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) of Govt. of India which aims at creating efficient and effective institutional platforms of the rural poor, enabling them to increase household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and improved access to financial services. Under NRLM, ‘SARAS Fairs’ are conducted every year in the State with an objective to promote the products/commodities of poor rural women entrepreneurs. SARAS Fairs provide a platform for direct sales of rural markets, giving exposure to rural artisans/entrepreneurs to various aspects of marketing, and developing linkages with various other markets. The SARAS 2017 is organized by Kudumbashree in Malappuram (Safari Ground, Edappal) from 25^th August to 3^rd September which has opened new opportunities for the rural artisans, improving their awareness level and exposing the richness of products from rural poor to the urban market. Wide participation from all over the country is organized in the Fair in which rural entrepreneurs has brought an impressive range of rural products, which include handicrafts, textiles, artwork, furniture, items of daily use, edible items etc. As the visitors show a lot of interest in these products, there will be huge sale of rural products. In addition to the direct sales, bulk orders for the products are also expected to be received during the Fair and the participation in the exhibition will give a fillip to the confidence and enthusiasm of rural artisans. 

Saras 2017 Sales Report

Saras 2017 India Food Court Edappal

The 5th Edition of Kudumbashree National SARAS Mela got ambitious kick start at Cheruvathoor Grounds, Kunnamkulam, Thrissur District on 28th March 2019. The Kudumbashree extravaganza exhibiting the unique vibes of "' Rural India" hosted at the cultural capital of Kerala resonated India's Cultural Diversity, Unity, Richness and  proclaimed the herald of Kudumbashree as and how it is now!.

SARAS Mela Thrissur hosted by the Kudumbashree Mission saw participation of rural women entrepreneurs, artisans and culinary experts from more than 20 different states who are promoted by National Rural Livelihoods Mission. The enormous Mela structure houses 245 products stalls and a Food Court named "INDIA FOOD COURT with 25 Food stalls that offers "INDIA ON A PLATE"!. Thrissur SARAS Mela boasts the largest ever  food court as part pf Kudumbashree SARAS Mela and is being managed by Kudumbashree National Resource Organisation with the support of 16 Partner States & UTs, where they have been changing lives of rural women in the Kudumbashree way!. The event will be live till 7th of April 2019 and these 11 days of Mela will celebrate Culture, Art, Traditional Craftsmanship, Culinary Skills, Taste, Rural Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Women Empowerment. The Mela is conducted under the strict guidelines of Green Protocol. The inauguaration event announced proudly of what Kudumbashree has stood for these 20 years. The event was inaugurated by lighting 100 lamps by 100 Chairpersons of Community Based Organisation of the Mission in Thrissur.

Organised by Kudumbashree Mission Saras Mela, the national food and cultural expo, offering the best of traditional, ethnic food and artistry was kick started at Government Engineering College Ground, Mangattuparambu, Kannur on 20 December 2019. Shri. A.C Moideen, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme. This is the first Saras Mela of this financial year.

Micro entrepreneurs from 28 states and 8 Union territories across the country are taking part in the programme. Around 250 stalls are opened. There are stalls from 28 states viz., Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana etc and also from 8 union territories including Lakshadweep. Also there are 130 stalls of Kudumbashree micro enterprises as well. In addition to this, there would be food courts that make the concept of 'India on your Plate' a reality. A total of 22 catering units from 15 states across the country would serve food to the visitors through 22 counters and introduce the cuisines from different parts of the country. 11 Kudumbashree units would serve the Kerala cuisines.

The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewelry, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela. Apart from the sales stalls, several food stalls are opened for offering cuisines from different states across the country. Different ethnic cuisines from different states across the country would offer a new experience to the people. The programme strictly follow the green protocol and is opened from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Adding more colour to Kerala's festive days, Saras Mela is being an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Entry to Saras Fair is absolutely free. Saras Fair would not only be a platform for the micro entrepreneurs to find market for their rural products, but also, this national festival would act as a platform which arrange the get together of the diverse yet secular culture of our country.

The Saras fair, which is being conducted by the Kudumbashree Mission in cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Development and the State government is a 11 long days stretched exhibition cum sale programme. The objective of the fair is to ensure market for rural entrepreneurs and to provide an opportunity to sell their products without any interference of any second person. Through this fair the rural artisans, craftsmen, and beneficiaries of Self Help Groups (SHG) across India would be able to exhibit and sell their products directly with customers, thereby earning additional income as well as a significant exposure. Saras Mela of Kannur would be an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Undoubtedly, Saras Mela would add more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The mela would come to an end on 31 December 2019.

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