Over Rs. 18 Lakh Sales at Diwali Mandav Him Ira Livelihood Fair in Mandi; Women’s SHGs Shine Bright.
Shimla:
The five-day Diwali Mandav Him Ira Livelihood Fair, held at Indira Market in Mandi district, concluded successfully on Sunday, witnessing enthusiastic participation from locals and significant sales of locally made products. The event showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of rural women and supported self-help groups (SHGs) working towards economic resilience, particularly in disaster-affected areas.
According to officials, sales across 23 stalls exceeded Rs. 18.08 lakh, reflecting the strong response from visitors who turned up to support local artisans and producers. The fair was organized to promote sustainable livelihoods and empower women through market linkages.
Top Performers Recognized
Among the participating Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), the Nari Shakti CLF from Bada, Gohar Block, emerged as the top performer with sales amounting to Rs. 2,16,640, securing the first position.
The Ananta CLF from Seraj achieved second place with sales of Rs. 1,26,810, while the Shivshakti CLF from Balichowki came in third, generating Rs. 1,19,860 in sales.
These federations, comprising women’s self-help groups, offered a wide variety of local and traditional products ranging from handicrafts and handlooms to organic food items and eco-friendly Diwali goods.
Deputy Commissioner Applauds Women’s Efforts
The closing ceremony was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Mandi, Gurusimer Singh, who praised the efforts of the participating groups and emphasized the importance of such initiatives.
“This fair is a meaningful step towards reviving livelihoods for disaster-affected families and promoting local products. These types of events not only strengthen economic self-reliance but also preserve local culture and traditional craftsmanship,” said ADC Singh.
He further congratulated all SHGs and CLFs for their contributions, highlighting how community-led initiatives can transform rural economies and create sustainable income sources.
The closing event was also attended by District Development Officer Gopi Chand Pathak and Secretary of District Red Cross Society, O.P. Bhatia, among others. Their presence underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting community development through collaborative platforms like the Him Ira Livelihood Fair.
The Diwali Mandav fair is part of a broader initiative to empower rural women and build resilient local economies through SHGs and federations. Organizers and participants expressed hope that similar fairs would continue to provide valuable exposure and income-generating opportunities in the future.
