The Saras Food Festival 2025 opened to overwhelming public enthusiasm this week, turning New Delhi into a vibrant celebration of India’s rural culinary and cultural traditions. Organized by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the festival brings together women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across the country, offering visitors a chance to savour authentic regional dishes while witnessing the power of grassroots entrepreneurship.
Celebration of Culinary Diversity
This year’s festival features more than 25 States and Union Territories, each presenting signature dishes made using traditional methods and local ingredients. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy:
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Rajasthan’s bajra roti and laal maas
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Bihar’s litti-chokha
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Kerala’s puttu-kadala
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Gujarat’s farsan platters
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Nagaland’s smoked meats
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A wide range of millet-based dishes, reflecting India’s push for climate-smart nutrition
Over 100 women entrepreneurs are showcasing their culinary skills, promoting flavours deeply rooted in their communities.
Millets, Sustainability, and Cultural Revival at the Core
Following the national emphasis on millets, Saras Food Festival 2025 highlights millet-based snacks, meals, and desserts. Visitors can try ragi dosas, jowar khichdi, bajra ladoos, and more—nutritious offerings that promote both health and sustainable agriculture.
Most participating SHGs use eco-friendly serving materials and traditional cookware, helping preserve authentic flavour profiles while promoting environmental responsibility.
More Than Food: A Cultural Experience
Beyond its culinary attractions, the festival also offers:
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Folk music and dance performances
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Live cooking demonstrations
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Workshops on nutrition, food processing, and packaging
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Exhibitions of traditional rural tools and crafts
These elements create a colourful cultural tapestry that reflects the spirit of India’s villages.
Women Entrepreneurs at the Heart of Saras
The Saras Food Festival is part of the national movement to support rural women’s entrepreneurship through market exposure, financial independence, and capacity building. Stories like Vandana Bharadwaj’s stand as powerful reminders of how SHGs uplift families and transform entire communities.
Officials from the Ministry of Rural Development emphasized that festivals like Saras not only enhance market access for SHG members but also encourage innovation, collaboration, and long-term enterprise growth.
A Growing Symbol of Rural–Urban Connection
Over the years, Saras Food Festival has evolved into one of India’s most awaited cultural and culinary events. The 2025 edition continues to strengthen linkages between rural producers and urban consumers, showcasing how traditional knowledge and modern entrepreneurship together shape India’s development narrative.