A vibrant display of rural craftsmanship and community spirit marked the recently concluded Diwali Melas organized under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission (ANIRLM). The twin events, held at Marina Park and Brichgunj, brought together women artisans from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the islands, creating a platform that blended celebration with empowerment.
The Mela, organized under the aegis of the Directorate of Rural Development, saw enthusiastic participation from both locals and visitors. Over four days at Marina Park, the SHG stalls attracted a steady flow of buyers eager to explore handmade products ranging from crafts and textiles to food items and home décor. The total sales from Marina Park alone touched approximately ₹4.86 lakh, while the concurrent event at Brichgunj recorded another ₹51,415. The combined figure of ₹5.37 lakh underscored not only the strong consumer response but also the growing market potential for locally made goods from rural women’s collectives.
The ANIRLM has expressed appreciation to the Andaman & Nicobar Command for allowing SHG members to participate in the Brichgunj Diwali Mela. The inclusion of rural entrepreneurs in an event hosted within a defence establishment was described as a positive step toward strengthening civil-military community relations. For the SHG members, it meant direct access to a new consumer base, defence personnel and their families, enabling them to showcase their skills and products to a wider audience.
According to officials, the initiative forms part of the broader vision of the Directorate of Rural Development to promote sustainable livelihoods and women-led enterprises across the islands. Each SHG stall reflected the craftsmanship and innovation of local women who have built small businesses through training and micro-finance support under ANIRLM. The Diwali Melas thus served as both a sales opportunity and a motivational platform, reinforcing confidence among first-time entrepreneurs.
Observers noted that such events carry dual benefits: they provide immediate income to the artisans while also promoting public awareness of local production. As island consumers increasingly seek alternatives to mass-produced goods, SHG products, often rooted in tradition and sustainability, are finding new appreciation.
At Brichgunj, the SHG members presented an assortment of hand-crafted items, including decorative lamps, embroidery, and organic food products, drawing keen interest from families attending the fair. Organizers reported that the total sales from both venues reflected not just commercial success but also the community’s support for women-led ventures.
The success of these Melas also highlighted the impact of ANIRLM’s long-term interventions aimed at empowering women in rural areas. Over the years, the Mission has supported hundreds of SHGs across the islands through training in product development, packaging, financial literacy, and marketing. The Diwali events were seen as a culmination of these efforts, bringing rural producers into direct contact with consumers and strengthening the local economy through self-reliant enterprises.
The Directorate of Rural Development has acknowledged the collective efforts of participating groups, administrative support, and the enthusiasm of the public that contributed to the success of both fairs. It reaffirmed its commitment to continue organizing similar platforms for local artisans to market their products and expand their business reach.
With total sales crossing the ₹5 lakh mark, the Diwali Melas have emerged as a benchmark for community-led commerce in the islands. The event not only celebrated the festive spirit of Deepawali but also symbolized the growing recognition of women’s role in shaping the rural economy of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
