Organised by Kudumbashree Mission, the national food and cultural expo, 'Saras Mela 2018' , offering the best of traditional food and artistry, concluded carving out yet another era in the history by drawing record sales and massive crowds. A total sale of more than Rs 7 crores was recorded from the stalls and food courts of the 10 day long Mela conducted at the ground near Market, Pattambi, Palakkad from 29 March 2018 to 8 April 2018.

Regarding the sales at the Food Court, a total sale of Rs 51,60,870 was recorded. Goa bagged the award for the best food court among the partner states. Chaithanya Cafe of Attappady and Punarjanmam Juice World won the Award for the Outstanding Performance. Alif Cafe of Kozhikode was selected as the Best Kerala Food Court. Muthuthala Panchayath, Ongaloor Panchayath and Pattambi Municipality won the awards for the best processions. Shri. P.K Sumesh of Deshabhimani Daily bagged the award for the Best Reporting ( Print Media). Shri. Mohan Charaparambil of Madhyamam Daily won the second prize for the same. ACV, PCV and STV bagged the awards for the Best Covering of Saras Mela 2018 in Visual Media. Smt. K.P Shailaja bagged the First Prize at the Essay Writing Competition organised in connection with Saras Mela 2018.

Micro entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala had became the part of the programme. Around 250 stalls were opened, out of which 100 stalls were of other states. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court was the main attraction of the Mela. Saras Mela 2018 became a huge success because of the active participation of the people and organised work of the organising team. 22 food stalls were opened at the food court offering the people of Pattambi, a special chance to taste the wide range of cuisines from different parts across the country. Out of the food stalls, 13 were from Kerala and 9 were from other states. The cultural programmes arranged daily at the Mela indeed became a visual treat for those who gathered at the Saras Mela. Artists and celebrities also took part in the programme adding more fame to the event.

The programme strictly followed green protocol. Therefore, the 'eco-friendly' Mela held at Pattambi is attracted more and more people and added more colour to the festive days of Kerala. Saras Mela 2017 was kickstarted when Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala officially inaugurated the programme.

It is for the third time that Kudumbashree Mission is organising Saras Mela. Last year, Saras Mela was conducted at Safari Maidan, Malappuram which recorded a sale of Rs. 6.54 Crores. The first saras Mela was was conducted at Ashramam Ground, Kollam which made a sale of Rs.4.6 Crore. The Saras Mela 2018 was indeed a celebration of food, art and culture in this festive season and was wholeheartedly received by the neighbouring districts as well which resulted in the grand success of the programme.

Shri M.B Rajesh, MP inaugurated the Valedictory function. Shri. Muhammed Muhsin, MLA presided over the function. Shri. T.R Ajayan, Social Activist and Smt. Sahira Kuttipuram, Poet were felicitated during the programme. Dr. Khadeeja Mumthaz, Writer and Shri. P. Raman were also present at the function. Dance-Drama programmes were also presented at the function. Shri. P. Saidalavi, District Mission Co-ordinator, Palakkad welcomed the gathering and Shri. M. Dinesh, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Palakkad extended Vote of Thanks.

The Kudumbashree District Mission of Ernakulam launched new Balasabha at SOS Children's Village. The Balasabha is started as part of the formation of Balasabhas focusing on child care institutions. The first of its kind is started at the Youth Home of SOS Childrens Village at Edathala Panchayath, Ernakulam. Balasabha of 20 children of 12-18 years of age was formed at the SOS Childrens Home. Master John Pradeep and Master Tony Thomas were selected as the President and Secretary of the Balasabha. The move aims to ensure the participation of such students in the democratic space. The objective of the initiative is to improve the academic and extra curricular skills of the children at the Youth Home of SOS Children's Village.

SOS Children's Villages International comprises 118 national SOS Children's Villages associations. and each SOS Children's Villages association is committed to apply the federation's statutes, standards for quality child care, and stringent financial and administrative practices. The SOS Children's Village in Alwaye, Cochin was launched in 1990. In addition to advocating for the rights of children, SOS Childrens village support families so that they can generate an income and stay together, and we provide family-based care for children who have lost the care of their parents. Balasabha envisage for the overall development of children through addressing their social and emotional needs and enhancing their creativity and leadership skills. At present, there are 32,878 Balasabhas, covering 4,30,908 children, across the state.

The Saras Mela 2018 being held at Pattambi stand out unique.The Saras Mela 2018 follows green protocol, which means that means no plastic is being used at the mela. It is with the help of green protocol committee and Suchithwa Mission that green protocol is being observed at the Saras Fair. The boards, banners, decorations, the arch set up at the entrance etc. are made up of either paper or cloth. The decorations are done with paper, bamboo and sack only. The take away kits being distributed at the mela are made up of cloth and paper. Disposable plates and glasses are completely avoided at the mela. Fibre, ceramic plates and steel glasses replaced the disposable plastic plates and glasses. Even the waste buckets placed at various locations at the mela are made up of bamboo. The biodegradable wastes and non degradable wastes are sorted out by the Harithakarma sena members. The biodegradable wastes are being sent to pig farms.

The volunteers are giving away leaflets to the visitors to remind them about the green protocol being observed at the Saras Mela premises. The wastes are disposed in daily basis. The Harithakarma sena members are cleaning the mela premises in regular intervals. Therefore, the 'eco-friendly' mela being held at Pattambi is attracting more and more people and are adding more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The lost and found section of the mela is so active that the visitors are finding the mela more trustworthy.The Saras mela 2018 is being wholeheartedly received by the neighbouring districts as well which results in the grand success of the programme. The Mela will come to an end on 8 April 2018.

Saras Mela 2018, the national food and cultural expo organised by Kudumbashree Mission, offering the best of traditional food and artistry is carving out yet another era in the history by captivating huge crowds. Saras Mela 2018 was kick started when Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala officially inaugurated the programme at the ground near Market, Pattambi, Palakkad on 29 March 2018. A sale of Rs 3.95 crore had been recorded so far, out of which Rs 3.63 crore is from the sales stalls and Rs. 30.8 lakhs from the food stalls.

Micro entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala had joined the programme. Around 250 stalls are opened, out of which 100 stalls are of other states. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court is the main attraction of the Mela.

Saras Mela 2018 is becoming a huge success by the active participation of the people. 22 food stalls were also opened at the food court offering a chance to taste wide range of cuisines from different parts of the country. Out of the food stalls, 13 are from Kerala and 9 are from other states.

The cultural programmes arranged daily at the mela is indeed being a visual treat for those who gathered at the Saras Mela. Artists and celebrities are also taking part in the programme. The programme is strictly following green protocol. Therefore, the 'eco-friendly' mela being held at Pattambi is attracting more and more people and are adding more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The Saras mela 2018 is being wholeheartedly received by the neighbouring districts as well which results in the grand success of the programme. The Mela will come to an end on 8 April 2018.

Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission is to launch Mobile Operation Theatre unit for executing the Animal Birth Control activities in the district. It is the Winners ABC Mobile unit, that is affiliated to the District Mission of Thiruvananthapuram which would be launched soon as a path breaking step in the sector of Animal Birth Control. The group comprises of 2 women and 3 men. The unit would travel to the panchayaths which need the service of the mobile operation unit for executing the animal birth control activities. The unit would also ensure the service of the veterinary doctor empanelled by the District Mission Coordinator.

12 veterinary hospitals in the district have the amenities for executing the birth control activities. But it is not possible to complete the birth control activities arise in the district using those facilities only. By the launch of the mobile Animal Birth Control unit, this issue could be easily resolved. By taking the mobile unit to the veterinary hospitals, the service of both hospital and the unit can be utilised. Thereby, the service of the veterinary hospitals, which don't have the amenities for executing the animal birth control activities could be made use of. This would help in using the service of the 75 % of veterinary hospitals in the district.

The mobile unit mobilise all the amenities that an Animal Birth Control Operation theatre would have. The unit had received Rs 3 lakhs fund from District Panchayath. RS 3.50 was received as innovation fund and Rs 50,000 as start up fund. It is the responsibility of the unit to arrange the finance for the vehicle. The maintenance, insurance and service of the vehicle would also be met by the group from their profits. The attender of the vehicle himself would act as the driver of the vehicle. The other ABC units may also hire the mobile unit if needed, which would in turn be a source of revenue for the mobile unit.

The District Mission Coordinator himself would schedule the work orders of the mobile ABC unit, prioritising as per the funds availed from various panchayaths.Smt. Rajani T.G, Smt. Jeevashree.M. Shri Satheesh Kumar M.G., Shri Jithesh K.G, and Shri. Mukesh M.S comprises the Winner ABC mobile unit.The unit has already been registered and will soon be inaugurated and start functioning soon.

The Kudumbashree Women of Thrissur holds the pride in supplying Kadali Banana to the Devaswom of Guruvayur, Kadali banana being the favorite offering to the deity of Guruvayur Temple. The bananas cultivated by the Kudumbashree women of Thrissur district in purely organic way are therefore taken for poojas and are given away to the people as prasadam and are also used in preparing ‘panchamrutham’ (a sweet desert) as well. The JLGs of Thrissur had been supplying the Kadali Bananas to the Guruvayur Temple for the last 8 years since 9 June 2009. The JLGS had been supplying the bananas with the help of Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society.

The Mattathur Labour Co-operative society procures the plantains from the farmers at a rate of Rs 3.80 per banana finger. After deducting the labour costs the farmer will get Rs 3.15 per banana. Before giving away the bananas the JLGs paste the stickers on the plantain bunch which has the name and code of the JLG, date and the number of banana fingers. Vegetable Food Promotion Council gives the information about the actual market rate of the banana to the Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society. On receiving the plantain, the Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society pays the money to the farmers. Then, the society will take the banana to the Guruvayur Temple and stores the banana at the place provided by Guruvayur Devaswom for storing the banana. The raw bananas would be then smoked for ripening. The bananas are procured on Tuesdays and Fridays of every week. Out of those bananas the best 400 bananas would be taken for ‘Nivedya’ purpose and 7 boxes containing 300 bananas each are taken for giving away as prasadam.

When the authorities of Guruvayur Devaswom arrived at a predicament situation during when the Kadali Bananas weren’t available for meeting the pooja purposes, Kudumbashree came up with the solution that they would cultivate and provide the kadali bananas upon the deal between the devaswom that it would be completely procured by the Guruvayur Devaswom. And then the women started cultivating the bananas as Joint Liability Groups of 4 to 5 people. The harvested bananas from every group are collected by the Mattathur Labour Co-operative society. The women didn't had to worry about the marketing of the crops that they produce. How much they produce, the society procured it from them paying the money. The women farmers from Kudumbashree are growing these bananas under seven panchayaths of Kodakara block, and supplying them to the temple, ensuring a taste of homegrown plantain for the revered deity. Guruvayur Devaswom buys the kadali banana as per the conditions laid down in the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The seed of the Kadali banana is also procured by the Mattathur Labour Co-operative Society. They would procure the kadali seed from the JLGs at a rate of Rs 21 per seed. Only best quality kadali seeds are procured by the society to maintain the quality of the crop cultivated.

Kadali is a small and sweet fruited variety of banana which is mainly grown for offerings in temple and is known by names like Ambalakadali, Nivedyakadali etc. The average bunch weighs about 8-10 kg. Being taken for poojas, the market for the fruit is always assured. It is also believed that Kadali Banana have contents of gold in it. The fragrant Kadali Banana has got medicinal features as well. It is believed by the followers that, Kadali Banana along with Yellow silk and lotus bud is the favorite offering of the deity. A total of 750 women from 150 Joint Liability Groups had been supplying 1.5 million of Kadali Banana to Guruvayur Temple every year.

Around 4000 to 25,000 Kadali Bananas are needed in Guruvayur temple based on the season. Earlier, to give this daily offering, the temple was dependent on supply from Tamil Nadu, as this special variety was on the verge of extinction in Kerala, which wasn’t following organic method of cultivation, whereas Kudumbashree women follow organic method of cultivation. The project is implemented jointly by Kodakara Block Panchayath, Grama Panchayaths within the Block and the Kudumbashree Mission which aimed to supply pooja kadali required for prayer rituals to the Guruvayur temple daily by utilizing the Kudumbashree network. As a result not only would employment and income be generated but also the rare variety of ‘Pooja kadali‘ banana which is facing extinction would be rejuvenated.

Kudumbashree Idukki District Mission organised tribal study tour 'Gothra Prayanam', study tour via flight for the tribes people of Edamalakkudy from Nedumbassery to Thiruvananthapuram on 27 March 2018. The trip was organised as part of the Tribal Integrated Development Project. The 20 membered team which comprised of 14 Kudumbashree members and tribal chieftains(oorumooppans) was lead by Smt. Ramani, CDS Chairperson, Edamalakkudy and Smt.Eshwari, Panchayath Member, Edamalakkudy.

The team had a discussion with Shri. S.Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree regarding the sustainable development of Edmalakkudy. The had visited the tribal settlement at Vithura. The group also visited Secretariat and Legislative Assembly Complex and Shanghumugham beach as well. The team was accompanied by ST promoters, animators and officials of Kudumbashree Idukki District Mission.

The team made their return trip to Edamalakkudy via train. Kudumbashree Idukki District Mission organised such an air tour for the tribes people for including them in the mainstream, who were sidelined from the society for one reason or the other. Those were the moments of sheer excitement for the team of getting on to the plane for the first time.

The ethinic foods prepared by the Kudumbashree unit from Attappady is of high demand at the Saras Mela being held at Pattambi. Vana Sundari Kozhi, the ethnic chicken recepie prepared by the Chaithanya Kudumbashree unit is being the main attraction of the food lovers those who pay visit to the food courts at Saras Mela 2018.

The recepies of Vana Sundari Chicken include the herbs that are available only in Attappady. 20 kg of Vana sundari  chicken  was sold in the first day of sale itself. Many of the people who visits the mela are asking for the recepies too. A  plate including leg piece, dosa, salad and chutney is being sold at a rate of Rs 150 per plate. Single piece is available for Rs 70.  A sale of Rs  4000 was recorded in the inaugural day and  sale of Rs13000 was recorded on the day following.

Apart from Vana Sundari Chicken the unit also prepare Chamayari Payasam, Chamayari Upmav, Ragi Vattayappam, Ragi Pazhampori, Ragi Churulappam, Ragi Putt Kadala, Ragi Ullivada, Ragi Kokkuvada,  Salad, Chutney, Chukku Kappi etc.

Smt. Valli Chandran is the leader of the Chaithanya Kudumbashree unit. Smt. Rony Rengan, Smt. Sijimol, Smt.Maruthy Raju and Smt. Vengy Maruthan are the other members. They had also took part in the Thudi fest and Malabar Craft Mela organised at Palakkad. 

The Cafe Kudumbashree unit from the hamlets of Attappady had already won the hearts  of the food lovers of Pattambi with their ethinic cuisines and are indeed excelling at the Saras Mela 2018.

Organised by Kudumbashree Mission Saras Mela 2018, the national food and cultural expo, which would offer the best of traditional ethnic food and artistry was kickstarted at the ground near Market, Pattambi, Palakkad on 29 March 2018. Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme. He also inaugurated the food stalls set up at the Mela.

Saras Fair is not only a platform for the micro entrepreneurs to find market for their rural products, but also, this national festival is a platform which arrange the get together of the diverse yet secular culture of our country. Minister said.

Shri.Muhammad Muhsin, MLA, Pattambi presided over the function. Shri. S.Harikishore, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presented the report. Shri. Paloli Muhammed Kutty, Former Minister, LSGD was felicitated during the function.

More than 4000 Kudumbashree women took part in the procession organised prior to the inaugural function. Micro entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala are taking part in the programme. Around 250 stalls are opened, out of which 100 stalls are of other states. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court is the main attraction of the Mela. A sale of Rs 1 lakh was recorded on the inaugural day itself.

The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewellery, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela.

Apart from the stalls, 22 stalls are opened for food courts out of which 13 are from Kerala and 9 of them are offering cuisines from different states across the country. Dalbaati choorma, Kabakri, Puran Munde Kheer etc are the few of the foods offered by the different states. 45 tables and 315 chairs are set up at the food court for serving the food.

The programme strictly follow the green protocol and is opened from 10 AM to 10 PM. Daily cultural programmes are also arranged in connection with the mela. Entry to Saras Mela is absolutely free.

Adding more colour to Kerala's festive days, Saras Mela 2018 is being an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. The mela would come to an end on 7 April 2018.

Saras Mela 2018, the national food and cultural expo organised by Kudumbashree Mission, that would offer the best of traditional food and artistry is to start at the Ground near the Market, Pattambi, Palakkad on 29 March 2018. Dr. K.T Jaleel. Minister, Local Self government Department, Government of Kerala will officially inaugurate the programme.

entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala will be the part of the programme. Around 250 stalls are opened, out of which 100 stalls would be of other states. 75 stalls would be opened by the entrepreneurs from Kerala. 40 stalls would be for the entrepreneurs from Rural Development Department. The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewellery, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela. The ethnic food prepared by the Kudumbashree women would add more colour to the programme. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court is the main attraction of the Mela. Apart from the stalls, 22 stalls are opened for food courts out of which 13 are for Kerala and 9 of them would offer cuisines from different states across the country.

Saras fairs help the micro entrepreneurs to sell out their products to the consumers without the interventions of the middle men and would help them to grow better business relations and thereby increase their sales. this would in turn help them in earning more income and better life style.

The programme would strictly follow green protocol and would be opened from 10 AM to 10 PM. Only cloth bags and paper bags would be used during the mela. A sale of Rs 6 crore is expected from the mela. Daily cultural programmes are also arranged in connection with the programme. Entry to Saras Mela is absolutely free.

Other than sales stalls, reception, office room, police aid post, medical room, cloak room etc are also arranged. For the security of the public visiting the mela, full time service of police and fire force are also ensured. Convergence with Suchithwa Mission is also ensured for making the Saras mela an ecofriendly one.

Saras Mela 2018 would be an incredible opportunity to get acquainted with the cultural, artistic, traditional, and rich heritage values of different states across the country. Undoubtedly, Saras Mela 2018 would add more colour to the festive days of Kerala. The mela would come to an end on 7 April 2018.