Sikkim: 14th SARAS Trade Fair 2025 concludes with record sales and vibrant showcases
The fair also featured vibrant cultural activities, including singing, dancing, talent hunts, and fashion shows, fostering community engagement and morale among participants.
LOCAL
The 14th SARAS Trade Fair, organized by the Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) under the Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, concluded with a grand valedictory ceremony at Jorethang.
The event, a significant part of the Maghey Sankranti Mela 2025, provided a platform for Self Help Groups (SHGs) and rural artisans from across the country to showcase their skills and sell their products directly to customers.
The Chief Guest, MLA Salghari-Zoom, and Advisor to Skill Development and Transport Departments, Madan Cintury, lauded the efforts of the SRLM team and the participating SHGs for making the event a resounding success. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his visionary leadership, which has bolstered initiatives like the SARAS Trade Fair.
In his address, Cintury spoke about the importrance of the fair's role in empowering rural artisans and promoting economic growth. “This year’s event has not only seen record sales but also introduced innovative attractions like the Sandhya Aarati venue, drawing tourists and boosting local commerce,” he noted.
The fair's highlight was the cumulative sales return of ₹66,99,232 over its 10-day duration, with January 21 registering the highest single-day sales of ₹9,42,761. Anmol SHG from Namthang emerged as the highest grosser among Sikkim SHGs with ₹3,88,100, while Manipur SHG led among out-of-state participants with ₹2,98,820 in sales.
CEO of SRLM, Radha Pradhan, elaborated on the event's economic impact, emphasizing the inclusion of a food court, Sikkim SHG Didi Bahini ko Bhansa Ghar, under the Startup Village Entrepreneur Programme. The food court showcased Pan-Asian dishes alongside Sikkim’s traditional cuisines.
The fair also featured vibrant cultural activities, including singing, dancing, talent hunts, and fashion shows, fostering community engagement and morale among participants. Winners of these events were recognized with certificates and souvenirs.
During an interactive session, participants shared their experiences and suggestions for future improvements. Many expressed appreciation for the platform’s role in promoting their skills and products to a broader audience.