Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The district administration on Monday unveiled the mascot of SARAS (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society) marking the formal launch of preparations for a national-level rural crafts and culture exhibition to be held in Guntur from January 6 to January 18.

District Collector A. Tameem Ansariya released the mascot at the Collectorate, announcing that the chilli, synonymous with Guntur’s global identity, has been chosen as the event’s official mascot. Branded as the “Saras Mascot,” the chilli symbolises the district’s cultural and agricultural prominence.

The SARAS exhibition is being organised by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) with the support of the State Poverty Eradication Mission. Addressing the gathering, the Collector said the event would be held on the Narsaraopet Road, opposite Reddy College, and would be open to the public with free entry and free parking.

Notably, this will be the first time Andhra Pradesh hosts a national-level SARAS programme, bringing together rural artisans, handloom weavers and cultural performers from across the country. Over 600 artisans and cultural artists are expected to participate, with more than 250 exhibition stalls planned at the venue. “The exhibition will reflect the diversity of India’s culture and craftsmanship, making it a mini cultural and artistic confluence of the nation,” the Collector said. Products on display and sale will include handloom sarees, shawls, carpets, bed sheets, bamboo products, metal and glass crafts, jewellery, home décor items, organic and traditional food products, and other rural artisan goods.

Special emphasis is being placed on making the event women-friendly and eco-friendly. The Collector said the venue would be developed as a plastic-free zone, encouraging the use of environmentally sustainable products manufactured by Self Help Groups. Cleanliness and hygiene will be prioritised throughout the event.

The administration also plans to showcase Guntur’s cultural heritage, traditions and historical significance through dedicated exhibits, highlighting the district’s unique identity to visitors from across the country.

“With artisans and SHG members arriving from all parts of India, their safety and security is our collective responsibility,” the Collector said, calling upon residents to extend warmth and hospitality so that the dignity and reputation of Guntur are upheld.

District Revenue Officer N.S.K. Khajavali, Tenali Sub-Collector Sanjana Sinha, Revenue Divisional Officer Srinivasa Rao, DRDA Project Director T. Vijayalakshmi and other officials were present during the mascot unveiling ceremony.