No swings at Saras Ajeevika Mela amid safety concerns; 450 women-run stalls open in Gurgaon

Gurgaon: In a key safety-driven decision, the Saras Ajeevika Mela has done away with amusement rides this year, replacing them with a kids' play zone, as authorities remain cautious following the recent incident at the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad where a police inspector lost his life during a rescue operation. The fourth national-level fair opened on Tuesday at Leisure Valley Park, Sector 29, featuring 450 stalls showcasing handicrafts, handlooms, organic products and home-made goods crafted by women self-help groups from across the country. The mela will run till Feb 26. Organised under the aegis of the Union ministry of rural development, the event is expected to draw large crowds, following last year's business turnover of Rs 12 crore. Organisers anticipate higher footfall and economic activity this year. The mela will be formally inaugurated by Union minister for rural development and agriculture & farmers' welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. More than 900 women entrepreneurs, known as Lakhpati Didis, from 28 states are participating, said Swati Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of rural development. "More than 450 stalls were set up, showcasing a wide range of traditional handicrafts, handlooms, textiles, bamboo products, pottery, embroidery, and eco-friendly items. From Kashmir's Pashmina to Tamil Nadu's silk, and from Rajasthan's embroidery to Assam's bamboo crafts, the mela presents a vibrant picture of India's cultural and artisanal diversity under one roof. Premium products made by these women are also available on the ‘e-Saras' app," she said. A major attraction is the food court, where every state has been allotted a dedicated stall to showcase its signature cuisine. Visitors can sample regional dishes such as dal-bati-churma, makki ki roti with sarson ka saag, dosa-idli and Bengali sweets, prepared using traditional methods. The mela also features a ‘Knowledge and Learning Pavilion', hosting daily workshops on packaging, branding, business proposal development, social media marketing, logistics and transportation management. Tie-ups with e-commerce platforms are being promoted to ensure sustained market access for women entrepreneurs beyond the mela period. Digital payment facilities are available across the venue. Live demonstrations by artisans, including pottery making, traditional embroidery, bamboo craft and eco-friendly product creation, are drawing visitors. Facilities such as childcare services, resting areas for senior citizens, and daily evening cultural performances by folk artists from different states have also been arranged.