The popularity of annual Saras and Khadi Mela organised by Jharkhand State Khadi Gramodyog Board can be realised with the footfall of public of all walks of life visiting the fair. According to Chairperson of Khadi Board, Sanjay Seth, with every passing year, the number of visitors coming to the fair is continually increasing.
“This year, in merely four days of its inauguration, over 18 thousand tickets have been sold out. Besides, selling and purchasing of goods, the enthusiasm of public in participating in different events is also quite encouraging. From students to middle-aged persons, all pre-planned events are witnessing huge response of the public,” said Seth.
Seth added that artisans from over 22 States of the country have gathered in the fair and are doing brisk business here. Apart, the glittering evening planned by the organising body for the entertainment of visitors from 6 to 9 PM, the board will organise beauty pageant contest – Mr and Miss Khadi competition on January 2.
“Through open nominations, over 17 entries have been received by the board, conducted from December 8 to December 12. The event will begin from 4 PM onwards on January 2 and will the judged by eminent panelists,” added Seth. Also, the organising committee members stated that on December 25 along with Christmas celebration, the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be celebrated amidst much fan-fare.
“A big cutout of Bharat Ratna, Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be decked up on the premises of fair. Along with the tribute to the late Former PM, some cultural activities will mark the occasion,” further added Seth. Further, sharing the details of elaborate arrangements, Seth quoted that provision of three gates have been made this time, apart ensuring the arrangements like facility of six battery operated rickshaws and other basic amenities on the spot.
The fair spread over an area of six lakh sq. ft. of Morhabadi Ground has kids’ amusement park, food courts, hangers of exotic products, home décor items, designer apparel ranges, edible products and much more for the customers.
Decorated with the theme – ‘Babu Nagar’, this season, some greenery too have been added to the venue, with quite a number of nursery owners putting up their stalls on the premises of the venue. For the first time, dedicated tattoo centres have made the debut here while elaborate arrangements through dedicated tribal food counters have been made to popularise the tribal delicacies among the fair hoppers.