Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday inaugurated the Saras Aajeevika Food Festival 2025 at Sunder Nursery in New Delhi. Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi was also present.
Addressing the event, Chouhan said that “Lakhpati Didis” from self-help groups across the country have demonstrated how women’s economic empowerment can drive progress. He said women from 25 states have come to the national capital to showcase their skills and products.
Chouhan noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised initiatives for women’s development and that the Rural Development Ministry is working to expand livelihood opportunities for women. He said women should not remain dependent and should be encouraged to become self-reliant through their skills and hard work.
The minister said the festival brings together a wide range of regional cuisines, highlighting India’s diversity. He encouraged the public to visit the event and support products made by women from self-help groups.
The Saras Aajeevika Food Festival, organised under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, aims to provide market access and visibility to rural women, especially Lakhpati Didis. The event seeks to promote financial independence, entrepreneurship and women-led livelihood models.
Women from 25 states are taking part in the festival, offering more than 500 traditional dishes across 62 stalls. The festival will remain open to the public daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. until December 9.
Visitors can sample dishes such as Himachali Seeddu, Tandoori Chai from Uttarakhand, Kalari Kulcha from Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabadi Biryani, North Eastern Momos, Bengali Fried Fish, Rajasthani Kair Sagari, Malabar Biryani, Litti-Chokha from Bihar, and Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Roti from Punjab.
In addition to food stalls, exhibits featuring natural and rural products have also been set up, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about rural livelihoods and traditional crafts.