THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, Sept 23: Rural women from Jharkhand left a strong impression at the Saras Livelihood Fair in New Delhi, turning their skills, art and enterprise into national recognition. Over 18 days at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, seven stalls under Jharkhand’s Palash and Adiva brands generated sales worth more than ₹25 lakh, while Jharkhandi cuisine secured third prize at the national level.
Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh attended the fair on Monday to encourage the women and celebrate their achievements, calling them “an inspiration for self-reliance and innovation.”
Palash: blending tradition with enterprise
Jharkhand’s homegrown brand Palash drew crowds with both food and non-food products. From ragi laddus, pure honey and black wheat flour to handmade soaps and lemongrass oil, Palash showcased the diversity of rural women’s entrepreneurship. The stalls collectively clocked sales of over ₹25 lakh, with visitors praising both the quality and authenticity of the products.
“The Saras Mela is not just about sales, it’s about recognition,” Singh said during her visit. “Palash reflects the hard work and determination of women who are shaping Jharkhand’s identity at the national level.”
Individual success stories inspire
For many women, the fair opened new doors. Soni Devi from Godda district, who weaves tassar silk sarees and dupattas through her Sakhi Mandal, earned more than ₹3 lakh in sales. She described the event as both a business opportunity and a learning exchange with women from across India.
Adiva jewellery shines in the capital
Adiva, the state brand launched in 2021 to revive traditional tribal jewellery, became one of the most visited stalls at the fair. From earrings priced at ₹200 to silver ornaments worth up to ₹6,000, the handcrafted pieces drew admiration from Delhi’s youth and families alike.
Designs such as the silver mandhali, double jhumka and pachhuwa stood out, symbolising the rich heritage of Jharkhand’s artisans. Once fading from use, these ornaments are now finding a market in metro cities under the Adiva banner.
Jharkhandi flavours win national award
Food was another star attraction. Dishes like dhuska, dal pitha and ghugni delighted visitors and generated sales of more than ₹3 lakh. On the closing day, Jharkhand was awarded third prize in the national live food competition – recognition that Singh said “cements our culinary identity on the national stage.”
Beyond stalls: women in media
The fair also highlighted how rural women are breaking barriers beyond production. Sunita from Saraikela, known as “Journalist Didi,” was invited by the Ministry of Rural Development to cover the event. She documented stories, created digital content, and connected customers with the women behind the stalls.
National platform, lasting impact
With the backing of state initiatives and the determination of rural entrepreneurs, Jharkhand’s women have shown that tradition and enterprise can go hand in hand. Singh pledged continued government support to expand these opportunities, ensuring that the voices of Jharkhand’s women reach far beyond the state’s borders.