Organized by Kudumbashree, Saras Mela 2022, the national food and cultural expo, offering the best of traditional, ethnic food and artistry was kickstarted at Kanakakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram on 30 March 2022. Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala inaugurated the programme. Shri. M.V Govindan Master, Minister, Local Self Government Department and Excise, Government of Kerala presided over the function. Shri. V. Sivankutty, Minister for Education and Labour, Government of Kerala was also present at the programme.
Micro entrepreneurs from 28 states and 8 Union territories across the country are taking part in the programme and 250 stalls are opened. The handicrafts that would showcase the heritage and culture of each states, art forms, jewelry, fabrics, utensils etc would be for sale at the Saras Mela. Apart from the sales stalls, 25 food stalls are opened for offering cuisines of 15 states. Different ethnic cuisines from different states across the country would offer a new experience to the people. The programme strictly follow the green protocol. Daily cultural programmes like Gazal, Folk Songs, Music Programmes, Rajasthani Folk Dance, Bengali Folk Dance, Parayan Thullal,Odissi Classical Dance, Lyrical Narrative (Kadhaprasangam), Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattom, Thiruvathira, Bharatanatyam, seminars, and dance programmes of BUDS children are also arranged in connection with Saras Mela 2022.
Ms. S. Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation welcomed the gathering. Smt. P.I Sreevidya, Executive Director, Kudumbashree presented the topic. Adv. V.K Prasanth, MLA, Ms. S. Arya Rajendran, Mayor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and Adv. D,. Suresh Kumar, President, Thiruvananthapuram District Panchayath, felicitated the District Teams who took part in the 'Sthreesakthi' Cultural Procession. Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala was also present at the function. Dr. Reena K.S, Ward Councilor, Nandancode, Thiruvananthapuram and Smt. Vinitha P, CDS Chairperson, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation-2, made felicitations. Dr. K.R Shaiju, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission delivered vote of thanks. Following the inaugural session, Musical Night led by famous musician Shri. Stephen Devassy was also held as part of the programme.
The Saras Fairs are organized jointly by the Central- State Governments as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), where the products of the entrepreneurs across the country is brought together for marketing. Saras Mela 2022 will come to an end on 10 April 2022.