The ten-day Saras Mela 2025 drew to a close in Sri Vijaya Puram today, bringing an end to a fair that combined cultural expression, community participation, and a showcase of local talent. The closing ceremony marked the culmination of a sustained effort by self-help groups, performers, and organisers to highlight grassroots creativity and livelihood opportunities in the region. The programme opened with a felicitation by the Director (RD/P), who acknowledged the contributions of the participants and organisers who had sustained the Mela’s activities over the past ten days.
The event drew a considerable turnout, with residents and visitors gathering to witness the performances that have become synonymous with the fair’s closing day. The cultural segment began with a musical presentation by members of a self-help group from Car Nicobar, accompanied by the cluster coordinator. Their performance received widespread appreciation from the audience, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. This was followed by a spirited dance performance by the Sippighat SHGs of Prothrapur Block, whose energetic routine drew loud applause. Another group from Nancowry also took the stage, adding to the diversity of performances and showcasing the range of talent nurtured by SHG networks across the islands.
Before the series of performances began, the gathering was welcomed by the Block Development Officer of Ferrargunj, who set an enthusiastic tone for the concluding events and highlighted the participation of multiple community stakeholders throughout the Mela. As the programme moved forward, the atmosphere remained lively, with the audience responding enthusiastically to each performance. The organisers noted that this edition of the Mela had seen a steady stream of visitors over the past ten days, many of whom engaged with SHG stalls, demonstrations, and cultural activities designed to promote rural entrepreneurship and community cohesion.
The vote of thanks was delivered by the Cluster Resource Person from Diglipur, who expressed gratitude to all those involved in making the Mela a success, including the participating groups, volunteers, support staff, and visitors. The organisers also noted the consistent engagement of SHG members throughout the event, who played a central role in both the cultural and livelihood components of the Mela.
For many attendees, the Saras Mela has evolved into an annual space where local artisans, performers, and SHG members receive a platform to present their skills and interact directly with the community. This year’s event, according to organisers, saw participation from multiple blocks and islands across the Andaman and Nicobar region, reinforcing the Mela’s role as a collective celebration of rural enterprise and cultural expression. The concluding ceremony highlighted that such platforms continue to be central to the promotion of self-reliance, women-led entrepreneurship, and community-based development initiatives.
As the final day drew to a close, participants reflected on ten days of active engagement, cultural showcases, and opportunities for SHG members to present their work. The organisers indicated that the fair also helped many groups expand their reach by interacting with new visitors and connecting with other SHG networks. With its colourful performances and displays, the 2025 edition of the Saras Mela ended on a celebratory note, continuing its legacy as an important annual event for community participation and cultural representation in Sri Vijaya Puram.
