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Shivraj Singh Chouhan

In a vibrant celebration of India’s culinary diversity and women’s empowerment, Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the Saras Aajeevika Food Festival 2025 today at Sunder Nursery, Nizamuddin, New Delhi.

The event, graced by Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, as the guest of honour, draws over 300 women from self-help groups (SHGs) across 25 states, including Ministers of State Chandrasekhar Pemmasani and Kamlesh Paswan.

This nine-day extravaganza, running until December 9, transforms the historic Sunder Nursery, near Humayun’s Tomb, into a bustling hub of flavors and stories.

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., the market features 62 stalls showcasing more than 500 traditional dishes, all prepared by rural women’s SHG members, particularly the trailblazing “Lakhpati Didis.”

These women, who have achieved annual household incomes exceeding ₹1 lakh through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), embody Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

A Feast For The Senses And The Soul

The festival is more than a food fair; it is a tapestry of regional pride.

Visitors can savor Uttarakhand’s aromatic Tandoori Chai, Jammu and Kashmir’s tangy Kalari Kulcha, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani’s royal symphony of spices, and Kerala’s fragrant Malabar Biryani.

From Bihar’s hearty Litti-Chokha to Punjab’s comforting Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti, and Bengal’s fresh Hilsa Fish Curry, the menu highlights indigenous ingredients and time-honored recipes.

Northeastern Momos, Rajasthani Gatte Ki Sabzi paired with Bajra Roti, and Himachali Seeddu add to the allure, drawing crowds eager for authentic tastes unavailable in urban eateries.

Beyond cuisine, stalls display a range of natural and rural products, including handmade textiles, organic spices, and artisanal crafts, offering a glimpse into the village economies.

This setup not only boosts sales but also fosters cultural exchange, with women from states such as Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Gujarat sharing their stories.

Lakhpati Didis: Architects Of Rural Prosperity

At the heart of the festival are the Lakhpati Didis, over 10 crore women empowered via NRLM since 2011, with 3 crore already crossing the ₹1 lakh income threshold as of 2025.

Speaking at the inauguration, Chouhan praised their resilience: “Our Lakhpati Didis have proved that they wield immense powers. In fact, they have written a new saga of progress, development, and prosperity with their hard work.”

He added, “Brimming with self-confidence, Didis have stepped out to scale the heights of prosperity through their hard work and skills.”

Chouhan’s impassioned call, “Why should any sister remain poor, why should she be dependent, why should she shed tears? Instead, she should march ahead with her skills and hard work,” resonated deeply, underscoring the government’s push for financial inclusion.

Under Modi’s leadership, initiatives like Saras, launched in 2012, have created market linkages for SHG products, generating ₹5,000 crore in annual sales and inspiring urban consumers to support rural artisans.

Smt. Annapurna Devi echoed this sentiment, highlighting how such platforms align with schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, blending nutrition, empowerment, and tradition.

Early reports indicate substantial foot traffic on Day 1, with social media abuzz about the event’s role in preserving indigenous cuisines amid globalization.

Insights: Beyond The Plate, Sustaining Momentum

What sets this festival apart is its lasting impact, or its ripple effect.

Economically, it provides direct market access, often leading to sustained orders for SHG enterprises.

Socially, it challenges stereotypes by showcasing rural women as entrepreneurs in a traditionally male-dominated landscape.

As India aims for a Viksit Bharat by 2047, events like Saras amplify the success of NRLM, from 7 crore SHG members in 2014 to over 10 crore today, with a focus on digital literacy and climate-resilient farming.

However, challenges persist; scaling incomes beyond ₹1 lakh requires better supply chains and skill upgrades.

Chouhan’s vision could bridge this by integrating AI-driven market apps for Didis, ensuring their “spark of faith” ignites nationwide progress.

For Delhiites and tourists, Saras 2025 is not just a meal; it is a movement.

Head to Sunder Nursery for a bite of empowerment; your plate supports dreams.