The SARAS Mela 2025 at the ITF Ground continued to attract large crowds on Day 3, with the venue witnessing a significant rise in footfall as cultural programmes, handicraft stalls, and regional cuisines drew steady streams of visitors. The day strengthened the momentum built by earlier sessions, reflecting the event’s growing popularity among residents and tourists.
The cultural stage remained the centre of activity, presenting a mix of traditional and contemporary performances. The evening’s lineup opened with a traditional song and dance presented by performers from Nancowry, setting an engaging tone for the programme. This was followed by a high-energy group performance from Prothrapur, attracting enthusiastic reactions from the audience.
Members of the Humfreygunj Self Help Groups added to the cultural showcase with a heartfelt act, while Cluster Coordinators Tarak and Paul performed soulful songs that further enhanced the evening’s appeal. The night gained pace with a performance by the Royal Musical Group, which drew one of the largest audiences of the day. Shri Anil from the HGC-RD Department then presented a special musical piece, delivering another highlight for visitors. The Art & Culture Department’s orchestra added depth and vibrance to the programme, paving the way for the Soul Performance Orchestra, which closed the evening with a grand finale.
Commercial activity at the mela remained strong, particularly after the notable performance on Day 2, which had recorded sales of approximately Rs. 2.6 lakh across Self Help Groups. SHG stalls continued to attract sustained attention on Day 3, with their variety of artisanal products and handmade crafts generating consistent footfall. Many visitors engaged with stall owners to learn more about locally produced goods, traditional techniques and innovative items brought forward by different SHGs.
The Food Court maintained its position as a major crowd-puller. Throughout the day, the zone remained active as visitors explored a wide range of dishes representing flavours from various blocks. Diverse culinary offerings encouraged repeat visits and added momentum to overall sales. Among the food stalls, the Tamil Nadu stall stood out as one of the strongest performers, recording sales of nearly Rs. 10,000. Its performance contributed to the broader commercial success of the ongoing mela and set a benchmark for local and regional participation.
The consistent turnout and revenue figures highlighted the increasing public interest in the SARAS Mela 2025. For participating SHGs, the event continued to serve as a key platform for market exposure, customer engagement and improving livelihoods through direct sales. Organisers and participants noted that the positive trajectory from earlier days had carried forward into Day 3, providing encouragement for the remaining days of the mela.
The cultural diversity, commercial vibrancy and community participation observed on Day 3 reflected the core objectives of the SARAS Mela—promoting rural enterprises, strengthening SHG networks, and showcasing local talent. As the event progresses, higher footfall and growing audience engagement are expected to support both cultural promotion and economic opportunities for participating groups.
With strong performances, compelling craft displays and rising sales, Day 3 reaffirmed the SARAS Mela 2025 as one of the season’s most anticipated public events, continuing to draw visitors seeking culture, cuisine and community-driven enterprises.
