Prayagraj: A 10-day regional ‘Saras Mahotsav’ event aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship and strengthening self-help groups (SHGs) began at Parade Ground in the Sangam city on Saturday. The fair provides a platform for women associated with SHGs from across Uttar Pradesh (UP) to showcase and sell their products, helping them connect with larger markets. The event was inaugurated by UP deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan by lighting the ceremonial lamp.The fair features more than 150 stalls displaying a wide range of products prepared by women’s SHGs, including handicrafts, food items, herbal products, and household goods. Women from all 75 districts of the state are participating in the event, while 35 stalls were set up by groups from Prayagraj district alone. Addressing the gathering, Maurya said the ‘Saras Mahotsav’ aims to strengthen women economically by providing them a platform to market their products and increase their income. He said the state govt is expanding the network of SHGs and supporting them through various welfare schemes so that women from poor families can become financially independent.Ravi Kishansaid efforts are being made to increase the number of such groups in the country from one crore to three crore so that women and daughters in every household can find sustainable employment opportunities.
