Karnataka: Belagavi hosts state-level exhibition showcasing women’s self-help group products
In Belagavi on December 12, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah kicked off a large state‑wide showcase and retail hub at the historic Sardar Maidan. The Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood put the event together, turning it into a vibrant mix of creativity, culture, and women’s empowerment.
Colorful stalls dotted the square, each one highlighting handmade treasures created by women in self‑help groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. The market was a rich display of artisanal craft, featuring everything from bright bags and finely woven baskets to warm, hand‑knitted blankets. Mats, clothing, and other homemade goods were also on sale, drawing crowds from all corners of the district who wanted to support the women and buy their beautifully crafted items.
One of the sellers, Yenkanna Sudha from Kedakal village in Kodagu, lured visitors with a stand of local wines—red, white, chilli, pineapple, and more. She told the LatestNewsX team that the fair gives her and other producers a broader audience, while also showcasing home‑made tools like Ole and Jumuke that women in her village use.
Nearby, Ashwini Mangaley ran a busy stall, proudly discussing the variety of products on offer: jewelry, purses, table mats, rangoli designs, and more—all crafted by women in their own homes. She explained that many of these items are now available online, letting the makers reach customers beyond the district’s borders.
Adding another layer of flavor to the event was Shobha from Kodagu, who showcased a range of homemade wines priced at ₹650 per bottle, along with mushroom pickle, spices, honey, jam, and fresh passion fruit. She admitted that operating a stall in Belagavi was a fresh experience full of anticipation. “I want to see how the business runs here. This is my first time, so I’m eager to learn,” she said with a hopeful smile.
Women attending the fair were equally enthusiastic. Many expressed delight at discovering such a diverse array of handmade products all under one roof. For them, the exhibition was more than just a shopping trip—it was a celebration of women’s enterprise and creativity.
After the ceremony, Siddaramaiah posted on social media praising the exhibition and its role in uplifting women‑led businesses. He highlighted that the fair, held at the Sardar High School Grounds, embodied the spirit of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. Other dignitaries, including Ministers Sharan Prakash Patil, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, also attended the opening.
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