Organised by Kudumbashree Mission, the national food and cultural expo, 'Saras Mela 2018' , offering the best of traditional food and artistry, concluded carving out yet another era in the history by drawing record sales and massive crowds. A total sale of more than Rs 7 crores was recorded from the stalls and food courts of the 10 day long Mela conducted at the ground near Market, Pattambi, Palakkad from 29 March 2018 to 8 April 2018.
Regarding the sales at the Food Court, a total sale of Rs 51,60,870 was recorded. Goa bagged the award for the best food court among the partner states. Chaithanya Cafe of Attappady and Punarjanmam Juice World won the Award for the Outstanding Performance. Alif Cafe of Kozhikode was selected as the Best Kerala Food Court. Muthuthala Panchayath, Ongaloor Panchayath and Pattambi Municipality won the awards for the best processions. Shri. P.K Sumesh of Deshabhimani Daily bagged the award for the Best Reporting ( Print Media). Shri. Mohan Charaparambil of Madhyamam Daily won the second prize for the same. ACV, PCV and STV bagged the awards for the Best Covering of Saras Mela 2018 in Visual Media. Smt. K.P Shailaja bagged the First Prize at the Essay Writing Competition organised in connection with Saras Mela 2018.
Micro entrepreneurs from 25 states across the country including Kerala had became the part of the programme. Around 250 stalls were opened, out of which 100 stalls were of other states. The 70,000 sqft big pavilion and food court was the main attraction of the Mela. Saras Mela 2018 became a huge success because of the active participation of the people and organised work of the organising team. 22 food stalls were opened at the food court offering the people of Pattambi, a special chance to taste the wide range of cuisines from different parts across the country. Out of the food stalls, 13 were from Kerala and 9 were from other states. The cultural programmes arranged daily at the Mela indeed became a visual treat for those who gathered at the Saras Mela. Artists and celebrities also took part in the programme adding more fame to the event.
The programme strictly followed green protocol. Therefore, the 'eco-friendly' Mela held at Pattambi is attracted more and more people and added more colour to the festive days of Kerala. Saras Mela 2017 was kickstarted when Dr. K.T Jaleel, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala officially inaugurated the programme.
It is for the third time that Kudumbashree Mission is organising Saras Mela. Last year, Saras Mela was conducted at Safari Maidan, Malappuram which recorded a sale of Rs. 6.54 Crores. The first saras Mela was was conducted at Ashramam Ground, Kollam which made a sale of Rs.4.6 Crore. The Saras Mela 2018 was indeed a celebration of food, art and culture in this festive season and was wholeheartedly received by the neighbouring districts as well which resulted in the grand success of the programme.
Shri M.B Rajesh, MP inaugurated the Valedictory function. Shri. Muhammed Muhsin, MLA presided over the function. Shri. T.R Ajayan, Social Activist and Smt. Sahira Kuttipuram, Poet were felicitated during the programme. Dr. Khadeeja Mumthaz, Writer and Shri. P. Raman were also present at the function. Dance-Drama programmes were also presented at the function. Shri. P. Saidalavi, District Mission Co-ordinator, Palakkad welcomed the gathering and Shri. M. Dinesh, Assistant District Mission Co-ordinator, Palakkad extended Vote of Thanks.
- 87 views