SARAS Mela: India's Artisans Shine in Gurgaon

The National SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026, a national celebration of Indian culture and entrepreneurship, is currently underway at Gurgaon's Leisure Valley Park. Running from February 10 to February 26, the event showcases the talents of over 900 women entrepreneurs representing 28 states.

Attendees can explore more than 450 stalls featuring a wide array of handicrafts, including Pashmina from Kashmir, intricate embroidery from Rajasthan, and bamboo craft from Assam. Alongside these crafts, visitors can savor traditional dishes from 27 different states, offering a culinary journey across India.

The mela also provides a platform for diverse cultural expressions. Recent performances included Sufi-pop singer Shibani Kashyap on February 14 and folk fusion by Jeli Kayi Tamin on February 15. Upcoming events feature a Sufi music evening led by Vusat Iqbal Khan on February 16, traditional dances like Bihu and Sattriya on February 19, and performances by Punjabi singers Karan Randhawa and Jasmine Kaur on February 20 and 21 respectively.

Further cultural highlights include Gaurav Maharashtracha presenting Powada and Lavani on February 23, and a concluding event on February 24 with Bharatanatyam and folk dances from Tamil Nadu. The mela celebrates traditional art forms and provides a significant platform for women-led self-help groups.