Grand Inauguration of Saras Raj Sakhi National Fair A vibrant showcase of Indian art and culture at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jaipur till January 4, 2026

 

Jaipur, December 18.
Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), rural women across the country are being connected with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and provided training and financial assistance to strengthen their livelihoods. Through this initiative, SHG women are actively engaged in traditional activities such as handloom weaving, handicrafts and food processing. To provide a strong marketing platform for the unique and traditional products made by SHG women, the ‘Saras Raj Sakhi National Fair’ is organized every year in various cities across the state. Continuing this tradition, the fair is once again being held in the Pink City, Jaipur.

Organized by the Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (RAJEEVIKA) with the support of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, the fair is being hosted at Jawahar Kala Kendra, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Jaipur. On the opening day, Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the fair during a grand ceremonial event. Women from Self-Help Groups from Uttarakhand welcomed the Chief Minister with a traditional tilak, while folk artists from Bassi enthralled the audience with a vibrant Kachhi Ghodi dance, adding cultural charm to the inauguration. The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp before Lord Ganesha and ribbon cutting.

Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan Shri V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary, Rural Development Department Ms. Shreya Guha, Divisional Commissioner, Jaipur Ms. Poonam, State Mission Director, RAJEEVIKA Ms. Neha Giri, District Collector and District Magistrate, Jaipur Shri Jitendra Soni, Project Director (Admin), RAJEEVIKA Ms. Preeti Singh, along with senior officers and staff of RAJEEVIKA. The Chief Minister visited various stalls at the fair, interacted with SHG women and appreciated their products, encouraging them for their entrepreneurial efforts.

Aimed at promoting economic and social empowerment of women, the fair will continue from December 18, 2025 to January 4, 2026. This year’s theme, “India – A Unifying Thread”, showcases the distinctive textile traditions, handicrafts and cultural heritage of different states of India on a single platform. More than 350 Self-Help Groups from across the country are participating, displaying and selling over 15,000 varieties of handmade products.

Region-wise pavilions have been set up, allowing each state to exhibit its unique cultural identity, traditional attire and indigenous crafts. Along with handicrafts, handloom products and food items, technologically enhanced products are also among the key attractions of the fair.

The fair also features 50 food stalls, offering a glimpse into India’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Traditional delicacies prepared by SHG women from various states are drawing large crowds. The GI-tagged Kalari cheese from Udhampur, Jammu, has emerged as a special attraction. Seasonal favorites such as tea and pakoras, milk jalebi, kachori, bajra khichda and Kashmiri kahwa are adding to the festive ambiance of the food court.

The ‘Saras Raj Sakhi Shopping Passport’ scheme has also been introduced during the fair. Under the Daily Lucky Buyer Award, two lucky winners will be selected each day through a lucky draw during the 18-day event, receiving attractive prizes worth ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. Buyers making a minimum purchase of ₹1,000 from a single stall and submitting the coupon with a valid bill by 5 PM will be eligible. The lucky draw will be conducted daily between 5 PM and 6 PM in the presence of dignitaries and officials, ensuring complete transparency.

Additionally, to encourage outstanding sales performance, Top Sales Awards will be presented to SHG vendors from Rajasthan and other states. A total of six awards will be given, including two scooters as first prizes, two laptops as second prizes, and two smartphones as third prizes. The announcement and distribution of these awards will take place on January 4, 2026 (Mega Day).

Organized during the peak tourist season, the fair is attracting both domestic and international visitors through extensive promotion. By providing SHG women with a strong platform for showcasing, marketing and earning fair prices for their handcrafted products, the Saras Raj Sakhi National Fair is playing a significant role in empowering women and promoting self-reliance.