VISAKHAPATNAM: For the first time, Visakhapatnam will host the national SARAS, popularly known as DWCRA Bazaar, at Andhra University College of Engineering (AUCE) Grounds from Friday. Nearly 600 participants from 19 states will set up 300 stalls at the exhibition-cum-sale, which will be on till October 7. Rural development minister Kimidi Mrunalini will inaugurate the event Friday.
District collector N Yuvaraj told reporters here Thursday that SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisan Societies) was the first biggest event to be organised in the state, after bifurcation.
“The event, being organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, is aimed at bringing together women self-help groups from rural areas across the country and provide them with a platform to display/market their handmade and home-made products. It also focusses on giving them an opportunity to learn about the tastes and preferences of the consumers,” he added.
Apart from a wide variety of products by artisan groups from different states, visitors can also witness and purchase handlooms from Dharmavaram, Mangalagiri, Chirala, handicrafts from Etikoppaka and Bobbili Veena. Traditional culinary delights like ‘Raagi Sangati’ and ‘Pootharekulu’, among others, are the other highlights. The entry is free and the expo is open from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm.
Meanwhile, the much awaited ‘Visakha Utsavalu’ are scheduled for December 24 to 26, while the schedule for Araku Utsavalu, which is going to be held sometime in October, is expected to be released soon.