Local items of different states attract Patnaites

PATNA: It's not a mall or any high-end shopping complex, but Saras Mela at Gandhi Maidan attracts shopaholics in large numbers every year. Jointly organized by the Union ministry of rural development department, state rural development department and Jeevika, this year's fair is based on the theme, Kesaria Stupa'.
Stalls selling hot coffee and popcorn in the warmth of sunshine drew a good number of visitors who were there enjoying their weekend on Saturday.Santosh Kumar, the fair's communication manager, said, "Since we are not charging any entry fee, people who even don't have to buy anything, come to the fair. But they are so impressed by the items on display that they buy something or the other. We also have proper sitting arrangements so that people can take rest if they get tired."
Several self-help groups (SHGs) have put up their stalls. The organizers said the basic purpose was to provide them a platform. "Local products made by rural folks are slowly vanishing. Hence, it is very important to provide them a platform," said Santosh Kumar.
Arun Prakash, chairman, REGP (Rural Employment Generation Programme), KVIC, Bihar, added, "Research and development is a must for small-scale industries to survive in this competitive world where big giants have captured the markets."
The fair offers pan India products. Raushan, an organizing committee member, said, "We have around 400 stalls, including those from 15 states. They have come with their local products, which are not available in common market. Ayurvedic products from Himachal Pradesh, bamboo craft from Assam, dress materials from Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, leather items from Telangana and Kisan Chachi's stall are worth visiting."
Carpets from Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh were in huge demand. Mohammad Arif and Achhe Babu, who were selling carpets and mats, were quite happy with the business. They had carpets in the range of Rs2,000 to Rs35,000. There were varieties of terracotta products available from Rs30 onwards. Even world famous 'pashmina' shawls are available at Rs20,000 onwards.
However, Bashir Ahmad, who has put up this stall, said, "People are mostly looking for stole up to Rs3,000. But expensive items are not much in demand here."
Even Phulkari dress materials, dupatta and kurtis are in huge demand. Stall owner Mahesh Kumar said, "This year people are buying phulkari on khadi cotton and tasar silk. I have kurtis available from Rs500 to Rs700. But my most exclusive item is 'phulkari bagh' dupatta available at Rs3,500." There are also stalls of Muradabadi silver-coated handicrafts, jute bags, batik print cotton suits, handloom bedsheets, Madhubani paintings, mojari shoes, bedsheets and kurtis based on Kutch work.
Furniture like coffee table, sofa set, dining table and side drawers are available from Rs15,000 to Rs75,000. Rakshi, a resident of Naya Tola, was selecting a dining table set for her house. "I am happy to see such varieties available here. Even the crowd is decent. I am having great time with my family here," she said.