RANCHI: The Khadi and Saras Fair, a six-day festival celebrating the rural products and culture of Jharkhand, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Hemant Soren at Morhabadi Ground on Friday.

The fair, which will run till January 12, features 300 stalls in eight sections, displaying a variety of items such as khadi garments, handicrafts, pottery, bamboo products, honey, spices, herbal products, and organic food. The fair also has stalls by various government departments and agencies, such as SBI, JSLPS, Chief Minister Small Cottage Industries, Jharcraft, Jharkhand Directorate of Handlooms and Handicrafts, and others.

The fair aims to provide a platform for the rural artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and products, and to create awareness and appreciation among the urban consumers about the quality and diversity of the rural products and services.

The fair also offers a glimpse of the rich and vibrant culture of Jharkhand, with various cultural events and activities, such as traditional folk dance, singing and playing, Hindi singing, dance drama, modern folk singing and band. All the events will be held on the main stage, which has been named after Birsa Munda, the legendary freedom fighter and tribal leader of Jharkhand.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Hemant Soren lauded the contribution of khadi and village industries to the self-employment and livelihood of millions of people in the state. He also said that khadi has the potential to hoist its flag in the country and abroad, and urged the people to support the rural producers by buying their products.

The Khadi and Saras Fair is being organized by the Jharkhand Khadi and Village Industries Board (JKVIB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Jharkhand. The fair is expected to attract thousands of visitors and generate a good revenue for the rural producers.