Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming SARAS Festival 2025, which will be held in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from November 17 to 23, showcasing rural India’s diverse crafts, handlooms, and traditional food products. A preparatory meeting chaired by Arjun Sharma, Secretary (Rural Development) and Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, reviewed the coordination and logistical arrangements to ensure the smooth organisation of the week-long festival.
The meeting, held in Sri Vijaya Puram, brought together officials from multiple departments to discuss arrangements relating to venue readiness, infrastructure, security, sanitation, transport, health facilities, cultural programmes, and media outreach. The deliberations focused on ensuring that all aspects of the event meet the required standards for a seamless experience for both participants and visitors.
The SARAS Festival (Sales of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) is a flagship event under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It serves as a major platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs) from across India to exhibit and sell locally crafted products, promoting rural entrepreneurship and women-led economic empowerment.
The 2025 edition will be particularly significant as it marks the first SARAS event to be organised in the islands by the NRLM section under the aegis of the Directorate of Rural Development. The festival aims to connect rural producers with urban consumers, providing SHG members with an opportunity to expand their market reach and establish business linkages.
During the meeting, Secretary Sharma underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination and timely execution of tasks. Departments were instructed to finalise their action plans at the earliest and extend full cooperation to ensure the event’s success. He also emphasised the need to uphold the festival’s high standards, focusing on both operational efficiency and visitor experience.
The discussions included detailed reviews of venue layout and stall allocation, ensuring adequate space and accessibility for artisans and visitors. Sanitation and health facilities were prioritised, along with safety and security arrangements to accommodate the expected footfall. Plans for cultural performances and local entertainment were also explored to complement the trade exhibitions and enrich the visitor experience.
Officials highlighted that the SARAS Festival will not only serve as a commercial platform but also as a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and community enterprise. The inclusion of SHGs from across the country will reflect the spirit of the Vocal for Local initiative, encouraging sustainable livelihoods and traditional craftsmanship.
The Directorate of Rural Development has also planned extensive publicity campaigns to promote the event, including collaborations with local media outlets and social media platforms to attract visitors and buyers. The aim is to position the festival as a key annual attraction in the islands, connecting the region’s tourism potential with its rural development goals.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participating departments reaffirmed their commitment to making SARAS Festival 2025 a grand success. Officials agreed that the event will be an important opportunity to showcase women-led enterprises and strengthen the islands’ participation in India’s growing network of rural livelihood missions.
The festival is expected to draw a wide range of visitors, including tourists, residents, and business delegates, offering them a glimpse into the creativity, skill, and resilience of India’s rural artisans. With detailed preparations now underway, the Andaman administration is positioning SARAS 2025 as both an economic and cultural milestone for the islands.
