Patna: More than 1.25 lakh people visited the BIhar Saras Mela at Gyan Bhawan in its first six days, while sales of handicrafts, garments, jewellery, food products and other items crossed Rs1.26 crore in the first five days, according to organisers.Organised by Jeevika under the rural development department, the mela will continue till Sept 29. It has 135 stalls showcasing products made by women associated with self-help groups from Bihar and 14 other states.Traditional crafts, including Sikki, Madhubani, Manjusha, Tikuli, Bawan Buti, Tanjore, Pattachitra, jute and bamboo crafts, are being showcased at the fair. Garments, jewellery, paintings and home décor products are also among the items on display.Food products, including pickles, papad, banana chips, millet and rice flour, Katarni and Sonmati chura and spiced jaggery, are also available at the fair.Jeevika initiatives, including Didi Ki Rasoi, Shilp Gram, Madhugram and Janki Silai Kendra, are also part of the mela. Traditional crafts are being demonstrated live at Shilp Gram.A buyer-seller meet was organised at the mela venue on Friday by Jeevika and Ernst & Young India to help women entrepreneurs explore potential markets.Neera Muni Sharma, an entrepreneur from Assam known as the “Bamboo Lady of India”, interacted with Jeevika women members engaged in bamboo crafts. She shared suggestions on product quality, finishing and developing modern, utility-based bamboo products, besides discussing opportunities in international markets.
