PATNA: State rural development minister Shrawan Kumar inaugurated the 10-day Saras Mela on the premises of Gyan Bhawan on Friday. Altogether 100 stalls have been put up this year.From Bhagalpuri silk dress materials to Banarasi sarees and handicrafts items made of jute, bamboo sticks, metal, stones, terracotta and brass, the fair has offered several choices to city shopaholics. The artisans have also exhibited a large collection of antiques, arts and dresses. Artisans from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha are also participating at the fair.The items on sale included designer and embroider suits, khadi clothes, royal-style chest and furniture, tikuli art, sikki grass art, artificial flowers, Madhubani painting, block printed garments, edible products, jewelleries, folders, bags, hand-knitted carpets and home decors.Mahua Rai Choudhary, who is associated with Jeevika-Bihar, said the fair was a platform for the rural artisans to exhibit their handmade products. Madan Singh, an entrepreneur, has exhibited various organic products, such as pulses, spices, rose water and apricot oil.Kanika Agarwal, who visited the fair with her friends on the opening day, said she bought jute handicrafts, bags and caps. “I like what the artists did with jute and bamboo sticks, especially the igniting lamps and flower holders,” she added.

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