What Makes the Rajsakhi Fair in Rajsamand Special?
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Rajsamand (Rajasthan), Feb 22 (NationPress) The Rajsakhi Fair, a week-long event, was launched on Sunday in the Rajsamand district, highlighting products crafted by women’s self-help groups under the Rajasthan Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajeevika/RGAVP). The herbal colours (gulal) made from local flora have taken center stage as the fair approaches Holi.
Running from February 22 to 28 and organized collaboratively by the Rajeevika group and the district administration, the fair showcases an extensive variety of handmade goods from women’s groups statewide for marketing and sale.
Present at the inauguration were Superintendent of Police Mamta Gupta, Zila Parishad CEO Brijmohan Bairwa, Rajeevika DPM Dr Suman Ajmer, BJP district President Jagdish Paliwal, along with other officials and community representatives. The dignitaries cut the ribbon, toured various stalls, and engaged with the participants.
As Holi nears, the demand for herbal colours derived from locally sourced flowers and leaves has surged. These eco-friendly colours not only promote environmental safety but also offer livelihood opportunities to rural women.
Bala Devi, a member of a Rajeevika women's group from Kumbhalgarh, mentioned that her group has been producing herbal colours for four years, witnessing a steady increase in demand. "There are no adverse effects, and approximately 30 to 35 women benefit from this initiative," she shared.
Consumer Bhagyashree Khatik expressed her satisfaction after purchasing red colour made from palash flowers and green derived from custard apple and neem leaves, emphasizing that the product is safe for skin use.
Mukesh Kumar Nuwal, Manager of the Rajeevika Group in Rajsamand, explained that the colours are obtained entirely from natural sources—yellow from marigold flowers, green from custard apple and neem leaves, red from palash flowers, and maroon from beetroot juice.
Officials revealed that orders amounting to approximately Rs 7 lakh for the herbal colours have already been secured, underscoring the growing public preference for sustainable Holi products.