गोपालदास नीरज - लगेंगी सदियां आपको हमें भुलाने में...

गोपालदास नीरज कई पीढ़ी के लोगों के पसंदीदा कवि और गीतकार रहे। वे रुमानियत और श्रंगार के कवि माने जाते थे, पर उनकी कविताओं में जीवन दर्शन भी काफी गहराई से उभर कर आता है। कई दशक तक कवि सम्मेलनों का लोकप्रिय नाम रहे नीरज को हिंदी फिल्म उद्योग ने भी उतने ही सम्मान से अपनाया। उन्होंने हिंदी फिल्मों के गीतों में बेहतरीन भाषायी प्रयोग किए और कई कालजयी गीतों की रचना की। एक साक्षात्कार में नीरज ने कहा था 'अगर दुनिया से रुखसती के वक्त आपके गीत और कविताएं लोगों की जुबां और दिल में हों तो यही आपकी सबसे बड़ी पहचान होगी।

जन्म     -    04 जनवरी 1925 , निधन - 19 जुलाई 2018 ( दिल्ली) 

उपनाम   -    नीरज

जन्म स्थान – ग्राम- पुरावली, जिला- इटावा, उत्तर प्रदेश

गोपालदास सक्सेना 'नीरज' का जन्म 4 जनवरी 1924 को इटावा जिले के पुरावली गांव में हुआ। मात्र छह साल की उम्र में पिता ब्रजकिशोर सक्सेना का साया उनके उपर से उठ गया। नीरज ने 1942 में एटा से हाई स्कूल परीक्षा प्रथम श्रेणी में उत्तीर्ण की। परिवार की माली हालत अच्छी नहीं थी इसलिए शुरुआत में इटावा की कचहरी में कुछ समय टाइपिस्ट का काम किया उसके बाद सिनेमाघर की एक दुकान पर भी नौकरी की। लंबी बेरोजगारी के बाद दिल्ली जाकर सफाई विभाग में टाइपिस्ट की नौकरी करने लगे।

कानपुर में संघर्ष के दिन

दिल्ली से नौकरी छूट जाने पर नीरज कानपुर पहुंचे और वहां डीएवी कॉलेज में क्लर्क की नौकरी की। फिर बाल्कट ब्रदर्स नाम की एक प्राइवेट कंपनी में पांच साल तक टाइपिस्ट का काम किया। कानपुर के कुरसंवा मुहल्ले में उनका लंबा वक्त गुजरा। नौकरी करने के साथ ही प्राइवेट परीक्षाएं देकर उन्होंने 1949 में इंटरमीडिएट, 1951 में बीए और 1953 में प्रथम श्रेणी में हिन्दी साहित्य से एमए किया।

कॉलेज शिक्षक की नौकरी

नीरज ने मेरठ कॉलेज मेरठ में हिन्दी प्रवक्ता के पद पर कुछ समय तक अध्यापन कार्य भी किया। बाद में वहां की नौकरी से त्यागपत्र देना पड़ा। उसके बाद वे अलीगढ़ के धर्म समाज कॉलेज में हिन्दी विभाग के प्राध्यापक नियुक्त हो गए। फिर अलीगढ़ उनका स्थायी ठिकाना बना और मैरिस रोड जनकपुरी अलीगढ़ में स्थायी आवास बनाकर रहने लगे।

कवि सम्मेलनों में अपार लोकप्रिय

अपनी रुमानी कविताओं के कारण नीरज को देश भर के कवि सम्मेलनों से बुलावा आने लगा। वे हिंदी कविता में मंच के लोकप्रिय कवियों में शुमार हो गए। नीरज खुद को कवि बनने में सबसे बड़ी प्रेरणा हरिवंश राय बच्चन की निशा निमंत्रण को मानते हैं।

बॉलीवुड में कदम

नीरज को मुंबई के फिल्म जगत से गीतकार के रूप में फिल्म नई उमर की नई फसल के गीत लिखने का निमन्त्रण मिला। पहली ही फिल्म में उनके लिखे कुछ गीत - कारवां गुजर गया गुबार देखते रहे... और देखती ही रहो आज दर्पण न तुम, प्यार का यह मुहूरत निकल जाएगा...बेहद लोकप्रिय हुए। इसके बाद वे मुंबई में रहकर फिल्मों के लिए गीत लिखने लगे। उन्होंने मेरा नाम जोकर,  शर्मीली और प्रेम पुजारी जैसी कई चर्चित फिल्मों में कई लोकप्रिय गीत लिखे।

तीन फिल्म फेयर पुरस्कार

नीरज को सर्वश्रेष्ठ गीत लेखन के लिए सत्तर के दशक में लगातार तीन बार फिल्म फेयर पुरस्कार मिला।

1970 : काल का पहिया घूमे रे भइया ! ( फिल्म: चन्दा और बिजली)

1971 : बस यही अपराध मैं हर बार करता हूं ( फिल्म: पहचान)

1972 : ए भाई ! जरा देख के चलो ( फिल्म : मेरा नाम जोकर)

नीरज के कुछ और लोकप्रिय गीत

-   कहता है जोकर सारा जमाना, आधी हकीकत आधा फसाना (मेरा नाम जोकर )

-   दिल आज शायर है, गम आज नगमा है, शब ये गजल है सनम (गैंबलर)

-   आज मदहोश हुआ जाए रे, मेरा मन मेरा मन। (शर्मीली)

-   मेघा छाए आधी रात.. बैरन बन गई निंदिया.. (शर्मीली)

-   लिखे जो खत तुझे, हजारों रंग के नजारे बन गए। ( कन्यादान)

-   फूलों के रंग से दिल की कलम से, तुझको लिखी रोज पाती। ( प्रेम पुजारी)

-   शोखियों में घोला जाए फूलों का शबाब ( प्रेम पुजारी)

-    

अलीगढ़ वापसी

पर एक दौर ऐसा आया जब नीरज मुंबई की ज़िन्दगी से उब गए। इसके बाद वे अलीगढ़ वापस लौट आए। यह भी कहा जाता है कि बॉलीवुड में उनके गीतों की कद्र करने वाले संगीतकारों की फेहरिश्त खत्म हो गई थी, इसलिए वे अपने शहर लौट आए।

अपने बारे में नीरज कहते हैं -

इतने बदनाम हुए हम तो इस जमाने में, लगेंगी आपको सदियां हमें भुलाने में।

न पीने का सलीका न पिलाने का शऊर, ऐसे भी लोग चले आए हैं मयखाने में॥

नीरज की प्रमुख कृतियां

दर्द दिया है, प्राण गीत, आसावरी, गीत जो गाए नहीं, बादर बरस गयो, दो गीत, नदी किनारे, नीरज की गीतीकाएं, नीरज की पाती, लहर पुकारे,मुक्तकी, गीत-अगीत, विभावरी, संघर्ष, अंतरध्वनि, बादलों से सलाम लेता हूं, कुछ दोहे नीरज के, कारवां गुजर गया

पुरस्कार - सम्मान

1970, 1971, 1972 – फिल्म फेयर पुरस्कार

1991 में पद्मश्री

1994 में यशभारती

2007 में पद्म भूषण

नीरज का प्रसिद्ध गीत -

कारवां गुजर गया

स्वप्न झरे फूल से, मीत चुभे शूल से,

लूट गए सिंगार सभी बाग के बबूल से,

और हम खड़े खड़े बहार देखते रहे।

कारवां गुजर गया, गुबार देखते रहे!

नींद भी खुली न थी कि हाय धूप ढल गई,

पांव जब तलक उठे कि ज़िन्दगी फिसल गई,

पातपात झर गए कि शाख़शाख़ जल गई,

चाह तो निकल सकी न, पर उमर निकल गई,

गीत अश्क बन गए, छंद हो दफन गए,

साथ के सभी दिऐ धुआंधुआं पहन गए,

और हम झुके झुके, मोड़ पर रुके रुके

उम्र के चढ़ाव का उतार देखते रहे।

कारवां गुज़र गया, गुबार देखते रहे।

क्या शबाब था कि फूल फूल प्यार कर उठा,

क्या सुरूप था कि देख आइना सिहर उठा,

इस तरफ जमीन उठी तो आसमान उधर उठा,

थाम कर जिगर उठा कि जो मिला नजर उठा,

एक दिन मगर यहां, ऐसी कुछ हवा चली,

लूट गई कली कली कि घुट गई गली गली,

और हम लूटे लूटे, वक्त से पिटे पिटे,

सांस की शराब का खुमार देखते रहे।

कारवां गुज़र गया, गुबार देखते रहे।

हाथ थे मिले कि जुल्फ चांद की संवार दूं,

होठ थे खुले कि हर बहार को पुकार दूं,

दर्द था दिया गया कि हर दुखी को प्यार दूं,

और सांस यूं कि स्वर्ग भूमि पर उतार दूं,

हो सका न कुछ मगर,शाम बन गई सहर,

वह उठी लहर कि दह गए किले बिखर बिखर,

और हम डरे डरे, नीर नयन में भरे,

ओढ़कर कफन, पड़े मजार देखते रहे।

कारवां गुज़र गया, गुबार देखते रहे!

मांग भर चली कि एक, जब नई नई किरन,

ढोलकें धुमुक उठीं,  ठुमक उठे चरनचरन,

शोर मच गया कि लो चली दुल्हन, चली दुल्हन,

गांव सब उमड़ पड़ा, बहक उठे नयन नयन,

पर तभी जहर भरी, गाज एक वह गिरी,

पुंछ गया सिंदूर तार तार हुई चुनरी,

और हम अनजान से, दूर के मकान से,

पालकी लिए हुए कहार देखते रहे।

कारवां गुजर गया, गुबार देखते रहे।

- गोपालदास नीरज ( फिल्म – नई उमर नई फसल, स्वर मोहम्मद रफी, संगीत – रोशन )

याद आएंगे ....

जब चले जाएंगे लौट के सावन की तरह,
याद आएंगे प्रथम प्यार के चुंबन की तरह।
जिक्र जिस दम भी छिड़ा उनकी गली में मेरा,
जाने शरमाए क्यों वह गांव की दुल्हन की तरह।

MAJULI THE LARGEST RIVER ISLAND OF WORLD

MAJULI is a sweet name and sweet place to visit. Do you know every day so many foreign tourist use to visit Majuli. Majuli is a river island in Brahamputra river falls in Assam a north eastern Indian state. In 2016 Guinness World Record has declared Majuli as the largest river island in the world. Majuli is now a district of Assam state. It is also constituency of chief minister Mr. Srabanand Sonowal.

Cultural capital of the Assam

Majuli has been the cultural capital of the Assamese civilization since the 16th century. Majuli is formed by Brahmaputra in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti joined by the river Subansiri in the north. Making you feel at peace with nature, Located 1100 km away from the mouth of the Brahmaputra, Majuli had an area of 1256 sq km in 1991 but due to soil erosion, it has now reduced to 875 sq km.

SATRAS OF MAJULI

Majuli is a good learning center for neo-Vaishnavite philosophy. There are 22 Vaishnava Satras in Majuli, the first of which was established in the 15th century by Sankaradeva, the father of Assamese culture. 

In 15th century the first Satra was founded in Majuli. Since then sixty five Satras have come up for the propagation of ethics and socio-cultural ideals. However, at present there are only twenty two Satras exists in Majuli. The others had to be shifted to safer places due to the devastation of flood and erosion.

Some of the satras worth visiting are Auni-ati, Kamalabari, Natun Kamalabari. Uttar Kamalabari.  Dakhinpat, Garamur, Samaguri satra etc.  

MASK MAKING IN SATRAS OF MAJULI

Mask making is one of the most famous traditional crafts still practiced in Majuli. It is mainly practiced by the Sattras.  Samaguri Satra is famous for mask making.  It is worldwide acclaimed in making exquisite masks. Satradhikar Hemchandra Goswami heads Samagauri satra. He is a great artist of maskmaking field, but not a product of in any art school. Goswami’s family has been making masks for over a century.  Traditionally, masks were used for religious dance and drama in satras. They were conceptualized as a tool by Shri Shankaradeva to make and depict the characters of Srimad Bhagwat to the devotees. Masks also helped to provide a physical form to the puranic characters.

HOME OF MIGRATORY BIRDS

it is home to many migratory birds. If you visit in winter you can see so many migratory birds. The Majuli with its fertile floodplains and highly productive wetlands forms the ideal habitat for birds. It not only supports the resident birds but also attracts a large number of migratory birds including some uncommon species. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded on island.If you want to see migratory birds here try to visit Majuli in the month of December and January.

PADDY is TRADITION

Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition. Here people grow as many as 100 varieties  of paddy. paddy being the chief crop of island. Assam is enriched with a number of indigenous rice varieties rich in high nutrient value. Majuli has a rich tradition of cultivating particular bao-dhaan rice paddy with nearly 1000 hectares of land under this cultivation. Farming in Majuli is traditionally organic as villagers never allow us to spray the chemicals in the paddy fields. 

Handmade Pottery Of Majuli

Majuli river-island has kept persevered the oldest craft on the earth- handmade pottery. The Kumhars of Salmora area in the upper region of Majuli have kept this ancient craft alive. The tradition of handmade pottery has been kept preserved only in three villages of Majuli – Barboka, Kamjan Elengi and Besamora of Salmora. The artisans’ families have also kept alive the ancient barter trade system.  Dr. Brojen Ch. Neog of Majuli college writes traditional Pottery has two methods– handmade and the potter’s wheel. Artisans of Salmora still practice handmade pottery. Despite various challenges this ancient craft is still considered as an important  income generating cottage industry of the river island. Over 600 families are dependent on this nature-friendly craft tradition. Majuli's ancient art of pottery is as old as used in ancient time at Mohanjodaro and Harappa it is not in practice anywhere in India or else where, methods suggest a historic origin of this activity.

Weaving on Looms

There are weaving looms where women can be seen weaving material for sarees and dhoties. You can see couple of people were weaving fabulous Assamese cloth with beautiful designs...you could buy pieces if you wanted to do so. Here you can see the making the meghla saree with handmade art. These sarees are supplied to different shops. 

Mishing tribe of Majuli use to work on looms and they make weave cotton jackets, towels, endi (shawls), thick loincloths and sometimes shirts for their men folk. Weaving is the exclusive preserve of the Mising women who start their training in this craft before they reach their teens. They also have a good knowledge of natural dyes

Where to stay –  In Majuli some Vaishnav satras also offers guest accommodation where devotees and visitors can stay. There are some hotel and government accommodation also found in island. But the best place to stay at Majuli is  La Maison De Ananda. You can spend here a lovely time. 

With Monjit at Majuli ( OCT 2016 ) 

It is a homestay, located at the edge of Garamur village ( contact – Monjit Risong Ph:+91-9957186356,9435205539 )  Monjit wiil be a good friend and guide for you at Majuli. You can also hire scooty and bike from him. 

La Maison De Ananda  means the house of happiness, promises to provide the best tourist accommodation on the island, which is not only an unspoilt paradise but also a treasure trove of Vaishnavite culture. A young French architect named Jim Chauvin  built his dream project ' a cane and bamboo tourist resort with the right mix of modernity and tradition ' on the river island of Majuli.  

The guest house is built in the traditional Mising style of stilt huts made primarily of bamboo. The stilt hut has been built in such a manner that they are permanent structures. It gives the local essence of the place.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

You can go Majuli around the year, but avoid going during rainy days. Some time ferry service closes in Brahmaputra river due to heavy rain in July and august. The best time to visit Majuli is during the Raas festival in November.

How to reach – Majuli can be reached from Jorhat town. Nearest railway station is Jorhat.  From Jorhat town you have to come Nimati Ghat by Tata magic. From Nimati Ghat take a ferry ride for Majuli, It takes around two hours. You can also reach Majuli by bus directly from Guwahati, capital of Assam state.

- vidyutp@gmail.com

BRANDING BIHARI FOOD LITTI CHOKHA

Mr Devendra kumar on his stall in IITF 2016 

Every state has some special dishes that have become his trademark. So what about Bihar, yes Litti Chokha is to identify Bihar.

But Litti is just has not been that kind of brand in like Dosa of Tamil Nadu or Khamman Dhokla of Gujrat. Over the past few years, the international trade fair held in November in Delhi you can find Litti in food courts. However, the fair became the finale of this dish. But a person associated with Bihar determined that they will sharpen the brand Litti Chokha. Devendra Kumar is one such name. He studied hotel management and catering from a reputed institution. After graduating from IISM Ranchi he worked 14 years  in country's reputed hotel chains. But in his mind Litti Chokha was running. Some years ago he launched brand Mr. Littiwala from East Delhi.

He started with the brand name Mr Littiwala in Laxmi Nagar, east Delhi. Gradually began to recognize the brand. Today, the brand beyond Laxmi Nagar area has reached Indirapuram and Kingajve camp. Today, his brand reached on Zomato and Brp food websites. But the journey is still going on. 

Just INR 20 for two Litti. Chokha made from Potato, onion with brinjal and  tomato. Try with mustard sauce. Litti is sunk in ghee. If you eat two Litti it is brunch, if you eat five it is your lunch. In Laxmi nagar  Littiwala Litti stall is not popular among people of Bihar but rather large number of people from other states have also started to taste.

Amazing Slow flame - The best thing of Litti is that it is baked over charcoal on low flame, so it is not contain all the losses like other oil recipes. It's fantastic for health and a digestible dish.

Should not make too much frills in Litti. Sattu is filled inside of Litti. Makuni made from sattu of gram increases its flavor. It is similar to the Bati of Rajasthan. But Bati has no filling like litti. Besides Delhi now you can find many litti stalls in Noida also.  
Bring it anywhere - Litti's biggest feature is that you can go with Litti in travel also like a fast food. you can simply eat it anytime. It is a great fast food. The big advantage is It is cholesterol free also. 

So next time try something different, try healthy, try Litti Chokha. 
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Visit website - http://www.mrlittiwala.com/

( LITTI CHOKHA, BIHAR, GOOD FOOD , MR. LITTIWALA - http://www.mrlittiwala.com/ ) 

SONPUR FAIR- BIG, BRIGHT AND VIBRANT

Fairs are integral part of Indian lifestyle from the ancient periods of history. Sonpur fair of north Bihar is one of the oldest fair of India. Now Sonpur fair is going on. (24 Nov 2015 to 24 Dec 2015). It is also the biggest cattle fair of Asia.  Fair starts every year from Kartik Poornima (full moon, according to Hindu calendar)  in the month of November.

Every year in month of November and December I miss the colors of Sonpur fair, because I am far away from that temple town called Harihar Kshetra. From 1987 to 2008 my family use to live very near to sonpur. We were living at SDO road, Hajipur. Our house was just half kilometers from mela ground. So we enjoy much during mela period.

On the day of Kartika Purnima people from different locations comes for holy bath in river Narayani and Ganga. Actually at Sonpur river Naryani (Gandak) meets to Ganga. Hindu epic Vishnu Purana tells about importance of this place. Here a fight for survival held between Gaj (Elephant) and Grah (Crocodile). Gaj called lord Vishnu to save his life and lord came to help him. The place of sangam of Gandak and ganga called Konhara Ghat. More than three lakh of people takes holy bath in river on the day of Kartika Purnima. One this day all banks of river looks filled with devotees. Sidhi Ghat, Janani Ghat, Hajuri Math, Kaushlya Ghat, Konhara Ghat every where you can see the huge gathering. Journalist and Historian Late Tej Pratap Chauhan says, Konhara ghat area of Hajipur was a great center of Hindu saints in Gupta period. There are so many Maths and ashram situated in Hajipur. Still we see here Hajuri Math, Ramchaura and Baithak of Mahaprbhu Vallabhachara, a great saint of 15^th century.

History of Sonpur fair starts from Mauryan period, 3^rd century BC. Mauryan kings bought elephants and horses from this fair. Historically fair was held on Hajipur are, on east banks of Gandak. We still see names like Nakhas, Hela bazaar, Magarhatta, Katra, Pandariba like names in old city area of Hajipur. Actually these are mela grounds. But during the period of mughal king Aurnganjeb mela sifted to west bank of Gnadak river in Sonpur.

In Sonpur there is a great Hindu temple, called Hariharnath temple. It is a temple of lord Vishnu and lord Shiva both the Gods. After taking holy bath in river people use to go for worship of Hariharnath.

Now come to the fair.  It is not only a cattle fair, but you can buy everything of your need from mela, wooden furniture, agriculture goods, spices, woolen clothes, shoes, garments, cosmetic products, religious books etc. Shopkeepers and sellers from all over India comes to Sonpur fair. The Sonpur Fair once used to attract traders from places as distant as Central Asia

Sonpur fair is also filled with entertainment, dance shows, theaters; cultural programs are attraction of fair. Nautanki show of fair is very famous. Now Bihar tourism and public relation department of state government use to organize cultural program daily. Famous folk singers use to entertain here. Are you asking about timing of fair?  Don’t worry. Entertainment never ends, fair is open 24*7.

No sell or purchase but donation -  Although Sonpur fair is famous as a cattle fair. You can find here elephant, horse, camel, ass, ox, cow, buffalo and also so many types of birds. On part of mela is known as Chidia bazaar. ( Market of birds). It is said that Hero of Indian freedom movement Veer Kunwar Singh also bought horses for his need from Sonpur mela. Now rules changed and government of India banned selling of elephants. But every year more than 40 elephants come to Sonpur fair. Noted journalist of Sonpur Mr. Surendra Manpuri tells, Now no sell or purchase of elephants done in fair, but it goes with process with donation. You can see here elephants bathing in river Gandak. Mahawat of elephant make colorful designs on back of elephant to attract people.

Urbanization of rural India has changed the picture of traditional fairs, Sonpur fair has also witnessed so many changes, but it is still one of the largest fair of India. The official duration of fair is 30 days.

How to reach – From state capital Patna sonpur is just 25 kilometers. You may book hotel in Patna and visit sonpur fair, or you can choose to live in Hajipur. From Hajipur (HJP) railway station fair is just four Km and from Sonpur railway station distance in two kilometers. Do come to enjoy colors of real India.

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Hotels @HAJIPUR
Hotel Vaishali, Cinema Road, Hajipur-844101 (Bihar) 

ROHTAS INDUSTRIES LOCO AT MUZAFFARPUR RAILWAY STATION

A man who born after 2000 in India has never seen a steam locomotive on railway tracks. Because all trains are now running with diesel or electric locomotive. But you can see some of old locomotives standing alone on some places revealing history of railway in India.

An old steam locomotive of Dehri Rohtas Light Railway (DRLR) now can be seen outside railway station of Muzaffarpur (Bihar).It is a good initiative of East Central Railway a zone of Indian Railway.

The loco RIL-06 is on display from 05 December 2015, as heritage property of East Central Railway of Indian Railways. General Manager Anant Kumar Mittal of ECR inaugurated this Loco for public display.  In its naming RIL stands for Rohtas Industries Limited. This loco was manufactured in 1908 by Vulcan Foundry Limited having 0-6-4 tank. It was originally purchased by East Indian Railway. EIR bought total 10 locomotives from Vulcan. 

This loco served East Indian Railway for a long time. But in 1967 DRLR purchased this old loco from EIR it for its operational needs. Since 1984 after closer of DRLR network this loco was laying in BG shed at Dehri on Sone. But Indian Railway purchased all scrap of DRLR from Rohtas Industries, between the year2005 to 2009. Among these scraps loco RIL 06 become property of ECR.

Actually it was BG locomotive. It was in use till 1984 for transport fo goods wagons of Rohtas Industries. The Vulcan Foundry Limited was a British locomotive builder company at Newton-le-Willows, Lancashire. Now it is a part of Merseyside. Now this locomotive is showing heritage of Indian railway to the people of north Bihar. You can’t see a running steam loco but you can see here standing with pride.

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( All Photo - Santosh Sarang, Muz) 

SARAS MELA - COLORS OF REAL INDIA

If you can’t move around India, must come to India international trade fair in Delhi. You can see here all states of India in on campus. Here you can visit pavilions of remote states of India like, Tripura, Meghalya, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Andman Nicobar etc.

But the best part of fair is handicraft items by artists of various states. You can go to handicraft pavilion or visit to SARAS MELA. Saras Mela organized by ministry of rural development ( Govt of India). Here more than 300 stalls offering specialities from different parts of the country.

You can get here Phulkari from Punjab. cotton apparels from Bengal, Silks from South India, 'Banjara work' accessories from Rajasthan and also designer footwear from Punjab, Pochampally cloths from Telangna and many more. Here sellers are artists so you can interact with them and enjoy handmade art of real India.

You can find here not only cloths but so many food materials also. Saras Mela offers a pan-Indian handicraft and handloom. The mela is a haven for silk lovers. art silk, Kanchipuram (Kanjivaram) and other variants of the fabric available here. You can find here leather handbags, clutches, beads necklaces, trinkets, bracelets etc. More than 20 states participate in SARAS Mela. It is a Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society. It is a window to the Indian culture and heritage.

You can enjoy cultural programmes here daily. You can see here folk dances of UP, HP, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujrat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttrakhand and Punjab.

Remember Saras mela is an initiative of the Union Rural Development Ministry. Ministry organizes Saras Mela every month around the year in so many parts of India to promote rural artists. Fairs like SARAS also provide rural entrepreneurs opportunity for direct sale, without involvement of middlemen. The consumers also get benefited by buying products at much lower cost.

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