Haryanvi cuisine attracts visitors in Saras Food Festival at Delhi
Under the leadership of CM Manohar Lal, the 'Livelihood Mission' is paving way for Haryana women
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 10, 2023- Breaking free from household responsibilities and benefiting from government schemes, the women of Haryana are advancing towards self-sufficiency, establishing themselves as successful entrepreneurs in society.
The state's Rural Livelihood Mission, formed under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal, is showing these women a new path of self-reliance.
A woman named Vandana, who was leading a life similar to an ordinary homemaker before 2018, is now supplementing family’s income by joining an SHG. She alongwith her group started a business of preparing Haryanvi cuisines.
Earlier, her family's financial situation was not favorable. However, by joining Haryana Government's Rural Livelihood Mission, she, along with many other women, has worked to bring light into their lives. Vandana says that she never even dreamt of setting up her own food stall in Saras Food Festival in a big city like Delhi when she came from her village.
Through the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) established in the state, her life and the lives of her entire family has transformed. She proudly states that the family, which was once facing difficulties, has now become a happy and prosperous one.
Saras Food Festival is presenting picture of Mini India at One Place
Vandana has set up a stall at the Saras Food Festival on behalf of the Haryana state. Here, Delhi residents are liking the Haryanvi dishes such as Bajra Churma, Bajra Khichdi, Makki Ki Roti and Masala Lassi.
The aroma of delicious dishes from various states is inspiring travellers to become a part of this Saras Food Festival. This festival, encompassing Mini India at one place, is providing an opportunity to taste traditional and globally renowned edible items from all over India at a single location.
Dr. Komal and her family, who came to Haryana's Stall Number 10 for the second time, stated that the Haryana stall's traditional dishes are the most delicious and distinct.
The Saras Food Festival is being held at Handicrafts Bhavan on Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Delhi from December 1 to 17.
This festival is organized by the Ministry of Rural Development of the Government of India. With more than 30 stalls in this festival, over 150 Self-Help Groups, connected with 21 states, are exemplary of women empowerment.
Apart from delicious dishes, these groups are also showcasing wooden toys, handicrafts, artworks made of brass, jewelry, Kashmiri shawls, and more, highlighting their talents beyond culinary skills.
SHG Groups Emerging as Milestones
By joining Self-Help Groups, women can achieve even the loftiest goals. The SHG groups, through Haryana Government's initiative, are proving to be milestones in advancing women towards self-reliance and ensuring their participation in the mission of a ‘Atamnirbhar Bharat’ .
Vandana, who harbors the determination to accomplish something significant, expresses that the dreams of women like her, who perhaps faced impossibilities while confined within four walls, are now taking flight. She says that women like her now have the opportunity to materialize their dreams through the platform of Self-Help Groups.
Meeting Monthly Expenses Was Also a Big Challenge
Vandana, residing in the village Chikkan of Panchkula district in Haryana, was compelled to endure a financially strained situation in her weak economic circumstances.
Her husband works as a truck driver and they have two children in addition to living with in-laws. Meeting monthly expenses was a significant challenge for them. In 2018, women associated with the Haryana Rural Livelihood Mission's Self-Help Groups visited the village.
They suggested various activities at the village level and also facilitated training and machine availability. Training, along with free machines provided by the government, included various activities such as sewing, beauty parlor courses, making pickles, papads, salted snacks, jams and more.
The government not only offered free machines but also conducted a 21-day training program. The training covered activities ranging from sewing to beauty parlor courses and making products like pickles, papads, salted snacks, and jams.