Assam: 14-day long Asomi Saras Mela 2023 underway in Guwahati

The Asomi Saras Mela 2023, a vibrant 14-day event, is currently captivating visitors in Guwahati's Khanapara at the Ganesh Mandir Field. 

This cultural and commercial fair, which began on December 23, 2023, is set to run until January 5, 2024. It was inaugurated by Assam's Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass.

Organized by the Assam Panchayat and Rural Development Department, the mela aims to showcase and promote the products of entrepreneurs and Self Help Groups (SHGs) from across various states. 

The ASOMI SARAS Mela serves as a platform for these groups under the umbrella brand ASOMI (Atmo Sohayok Mahila Gootor Identity), developed by the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM).

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The fair has attracted a diverse range of artisans and entrepreneurs. Bandana Gogoi from Sivasagar district, who specializes in crafting traditional face masks representing different gods, has found the mela to be an excellent opportunity to display her art, which she learned through training provided by the ASRLM. 

Ananta Viswakarma, an iron craftsman from Chhattisgarh, expressed his happiness with the positive response and sales at the mela. M Nayak from Goa, showcasing handmade jewellery, and Imtiaz from Kashmir, offering traditional Kashmiri clothing, also reported favourable interactions with customers.

With 130 stalls and participants from 22 states, including first-time participants from Ladakh and Kashmir, the mela has become a melting pot of culture and commerce. Entrepreneurs and SHGs from 34 districts of Assam have joined the event, contributing to an impressive sale of products worth around Rs 1.50 crore within the first three days.

The Asomi Saras Mela is not just a business hub but also a celebration of traditional, unique, and handcrafted items that draw a significant number of customers looking for authenticity and craftsmanship. The event stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of India and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people.