The Poush Mela at Shantiniketan is one of India’s foremost cultural fairs. Conceptualised by Rabindranath Tagore’s father, this fair has cult status and is a heritage high point for Bengal. The Mela is characterized by the live performances of Bengali folk music, especially Baul music. It includes folk songs, dances and tribal sports. It attracted over 100,000 visitors from both, India and overseas who flocked to the fair.

This year, for the first time, Ujjivan participated in the fair by setting up a stall to facilitate enhanced livelihood opportunities for our customers, who do not have the means to invest for participation in the fair.

Our customers exhibited and sold their exquisitely-designed handicrafts in large numbers at the fair. At any point of time, one could always see a large number of customers of ‘our customers’ present at the stall! Our customers were excited and very happy with this initiative by Ujjivan as they did good business at the fair.

Bula Chatterjee (45) is a specialist in Bengal’s traditional kantha (style of stitch) embroidery garments, and even supplies to emporiums. She was the largest seller of items at the stall and generated an income of more than Rs.48000 over the four days of the fair.

Kakali Singh (39), mother of two, sold boutique men’s and women clothing with bright batik prints, which were a big hit with the foreigners.

Exquisitely designed bamboo handicrafts such as cups, wall hangings, lamp shades and other decorations produced by Sushmita Dhani (29) were very popular among fair visitors.

Monica Mandal (37) also sold many of her delicately crafted shola (Indian cork) and zari (silk/cotton lace) intricate designs.

At the end of the hectic, festive few days, our customers shared their heartfelt gratitude to Ujjivan and the branch staff of Bolpur, who took up this initiative to participate in this event. They expressed their wish and hope that Ujjivan supports them and many more like them at the event next year with a bigger presence.