Gumla DC Inaugurates Three-Day Palash Diwali Fair, Showcases Women Entrepreneurs' Products

Gumla: A three-day Palash Diwali Fair was inaugurated in Gumla on Thursday to promote local products, rural entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance among women. Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahto formally opened the fair by cutting the ribbon at Kanya Middle School, Tangra, along Jashpur Road.

Organised by the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), the fair will run from November 5 to November 7, 2026, providing a platform for women self-help groups (SHGs) to showcase and sell their locally made products.

More than 13 stalls have been set up by different women's self-help groups from across Gumla district. The stalls feature a wide range of traditional, organic and nutritious products prepared by rural women entrepreneurs.

Traditional delicacies and Diwali essentials are among the major attractions. Visitors can explore homemade pickles, badi, papad, ragi laddoos, snacks, thekua and various nutritious food items made from millets. Healthier snacks prepared from maize are also available.

Apart from food products, the exhibition features handmade brooms, herbal products, household decorative items and other health-related products manufactured by women-led groups.

After inaugurating the fair, Deputy Commissioner Dileshwar Mahto visited the stalls and interacted with women entrepreneurs. He enquired about their products, manufacturing processes and opportunities for expanding their market reach.

Encouraging residents to visit the exhibition, the Deputy Commissioner urged people to purchase locally made products and support the efforts of women self-help groups.

He said such initiatives aim to provide rural women with better opportunities to display and sell their products, helping them secure suitable markets for goods produced through their hard work. The initiative is also expected to strengthen rural livelihoods and encourage women's financial independence.

Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar) Akhilesh Kumar, JSLPS District Programme Manager Shailendra Kumar Jharika and other officials and staff members were present at the inauguration.

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