In the spirit of the festive season, the District Administration of South Andaman inaugurated a vibrant Deepawali SHG Mela at Marina Park, celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs across the islands. The fair, organized under the aegis of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and the Andaman & Nicobar Rural Livelihood Mission (ANRLM), aims to promote self-help groups (SHGs) and empower rural women through enterprise-based livelihoods.
The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner (SA), in the presence of officials from the Department of Rural Development, ANRLM functionaries, and representatives from various SHGs. The mela will continue till October 20, offering a platform for women to market and sell their homemade products directly to consumers in a festive and community-driven environment.
The fair features more than 40 stalls set up by SHGs from across South Andaman, showcasing a diverse range of locally produced goods including traditional handicrafts, organic spices, pickles, handwoven garments, eco-friendly decorative items, and festive sweets. The event provides a marketplace that connects rural artisans with urban consumers while celebrating local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship.
Officials noted that SHG melas like this one not only enhance income-generation opportunities for women but also promote self-sufficiency and community-based economic growth. With festive shopping peaking before Deepawali, the mela is expected to draw significant footfall from residents and tourists alike.
In her address during the inauguration, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of creating sustainable livelihood models that empower women economically and socially. She appreciated the creativity and enterprise demonstrated by the participating SHGs and encouraged them to continue innovating in their respective trades.
The Andaman & Nicobar Rural Livelihood Mission has been instrumental in facilitating training, capacity building, and financial support for women-led enterprises across the islands. Through continuous interventions, ANRLM has enabled hundreds of SHGs to become self-reliant and explore diverse avenues such as food processing, tailoring, handicrafts, and eco-tourism.
Visitors to the mela can also participate in live craft demonstrations, cultural performances, and interactive sessions on entrepreneurship and sustainable product development. Several SHGs have showcased eco-conscious innovations such as reusable diyas, coconut shell art, and products made from recycled materials, reflecting the growing awareness towards sustainable celebrations.
The event also offers local businesses and departments a chance to collaborate with SHGs for procurement and long-term partnerships. Bank representatives and microfinance institutions have set up help desks at the venue to provide on-spot information about credit linkages and government support schemes.
District officials stated that initiatives like the Deepawali SHG Mela contribute significantly to local economic development by bridging the rural-urban divide and building consumer trust in island-made products. Such platforms help women entrepreneurs gain visibility, confidence, and direct access to markets without middlemen.
The week-long celebration is part of the Administration’s broader goal to encourage women’s participation in the economic landscape of the islands. With colorful stalls, festive décor, and community enthusiasm, the Marina Park Mela has become a lively center of both commerce and cultural pride.
The District Administration has urged residents and tourists to support local women’s collectives by purchasing SHG-made goods and promoting the idea of a “Vocal for Local” Deepawali. As the fair continues through the festive week, it stands as a testament to the growing strength and creativity of women entrepreneurs across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
