A REPORT
ON
SABALA MELA
Submitted by
Sapnill koch
Krishna priya p s
Prachi nigam
Anusha p
Aparna dharmadhevan
Sabala Mela is an annual fair held in Newtown, Kolkata, around January and
February. It primarily features stalls run by members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
showcasing handcrafted and locally produced items. The fair provides a platform for
small-scale artisans, particularly women, to display their craftsmanship, gain financial
independence, and reach a larger market.
The origins of Sabala Mela can be traced to government initiatives and NGOs
promoting women’s empowerment and self-reliance through skill development. Over
the years, it has become a major attraction for craft enthusiasts, buyers, and
businesses looking for unique, handmade products. The stalls range from textile
crafts and accessories to decorative items and organic products, each reflecting the
artisans’ dedication and creativity.
As part of our visit, we interacted with several stall owners to understand their
experiences, challenges, and the impact of such platforms on their livelihoods. Below
are some insights from selected stalls.
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Values
1st Stall: Crochet & Jute Handicrafts
One of the most remarkable stalls was operated single-handedly by a middle-aged
woman who specializes in crochet items. Unlike many other stalls that function as
group initiatives, she manages her business independently, demonstrating her
dedication and skill.
Background & Work
She started learning crochet work in class 6 and has been refining her craft ever
since.
Her product range includes crochet tablecloths, jute bags, pouches, and Laddu
Gopal Krishna dresses, which are popular among devotees.
She has been a regular participant in Sabala Mela every year.
Pricing & Market Response
Her products are affordably priced, making them accessible to a broad customer
base.
Jute Bags (A4 size) – ₹100 to ₹300
Heavy A3 size jute bags – ₹400 to ₹800 (depending on size, craftsmanship, and
design)
She mentioned that her stall had good sales, and she was able to earn a decent
profit.
Unique Aspect
Unlike other stalls where SHG members work collectively, she single-handedly
manages production, sales, and customer interactions, making her an inspiring
example of self-sufficiency.
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2nd Stall: Handcrafted Bangles & Neckpieces
This stall featured an array of beautifully crafted bangles and neckpieces, showcasing
intricate handiwork and innovative techniques.
Background & Work
The artisan started learning this craft at the age of 5 in her hometown of Bolpur
(Santiniketan region), known for its rich artistic traditions.
Now married and settled in Bardhaman, she continues her work along with 50
other artisans from her home.
They sell both retail and wholesale, supplying handcrafted jewelry across India,
including Mumbai.
Techniques & Product Pricing
Their jewelry incorporates a unique technique where embroidered cloth is
wrapped over mount board to create lightweight yet durable lockets.
Bangle set price – ₹60
Neckpieces starting price – ₹30 to ₹50
Their work is exported to various cities, highlighting the growing demand for
handcrafted jewelry.
Market Response & Challenges
The stall owner reported good sales and expressed no major difficulties in
managing production or distribution.
The demand for handmade, sustainable accessories is increasing, providing a
stable source of income for her group.
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3rd Stall: Jute-Based Products & Textiles
A beautifully curated stall featuring a wide range of jute-based products caught our
attention. The artisan, Usha Sarkar Mitro, is not just a skilled craftswoman but also a
trainer, passing on her knowledge to the next generation.
Background & Work
She has been involved in this craft since 1998, receiving training in Kolkata from
a Delhi-appointed coach.
She operates from Jalpaiguri, near Road Station, managing production from her
home.
Apart from selling at fairs like Sabala Mela, she also provides training to students
to help them develop their skills.
Products & Techniques
The stall featured jute bags, table mats, dining mats, sarees, jewelry, and jute
toys.
Jute braid technique – Jute is hand-braided and then stitched to form durable
products.
Jute dyeing – Some products are dyed at home, while others follow specific
dyeing processes based on design needs.
Pricing & Market Response
Jute toys – ₹50
Small circular jute mat (for placing glasses) – ₹10
Tote bags – ₹100
Blouses - ₹300
Medium table mats – ₹60, ₹80, ₹100 (depending on size and design)
Larger jute tote bags – ₹250 to ₹300
Sarees (neutral shades with chain stitch embroidery) – ₹500 (converted from
USD pricing)
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Unique Aspect
She is associated with Patkata Colony Usha Stithi Singh Sangha, a self-help
group.
Despite being a teacher, she actively engages in jute craftwork and trains others,
ensuring that traditional jute techniques continue to thrive.
She accepts custom orders, expanding her business beyond seasonal fairs.
2
4th Stall: Government-Supported Handwoven Sarees
This stall was run by a government-supported organization, specializing in
handwoven and silk sarees.
Background & Work
The organization has multiple branches across Uttarapur, Kakurgachi,
Dakhinapor, Barasat, Durgapur, and Siliguri.
It is estimated to have started around 1956, supporting weavers and artisans
across West Bengal.
Products & Specialties
Handwoven Sarees: Kantha stitch sarees, Silk sarees, Block-printed fabrics
Different Silk Varieties:
Tussar Silk – Known for its natural gold texture
Bishnupuri Silk – Lightweight and vibrant
Murshidabad Silk – Luxurious drape and soft texture
Blended Fabrics:
Maheshwari Silk-Cotton Blend – A mix of softness and durability
Techniques Used in Certain Sarees:
Block Printing – Traditional method using carved wooden blocks
Batik – Wax-resist dyeing technique
Motifs & Cultural Significance
The sarees displayed intricate motifs inspired by Indian history and mythology,
including:
Shakuntala Motif – Inspired by the classical Sanskrit play Abhijnanashakuntalam
Mahabharata & Ramayana Motifs – Scenes from epic Indian narratives
Mythological & Cultural Motifs – Representing traditional Bengal artistry
Pricing & Market Response
Silk sarees start at ₹12,000, reflecting their high-quality craftsmanship.
The sarees’ highly detailed motifs make them collector’s pieces, appealing to
customers interested in heritage textiles.
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Unique Aspect
Being a government-backed initiative, the organization supports artisans financially
and helps preserve traditional weaving techniques.
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5th Stall: Kurta & Saree Collection
This stall, operated under the Basundhara Paragusti organization, specialized in
ethnic wear such as kurtas and sarees, along with paintings.
Products & Techniques
Kurtas (₹450 to ₹2,000)
Some featured digital prints
Made from fabric rolls ("Than")
Sarees
Begumpuri Sarees – Traditional handwoven sarees with distinctive woven
borders
Ajrakh Prints – Ancient block-printing technique from Gujarat & Rajasthan,
using natural dyes
Paintings – Possibly hand-painted textile art
Manufacturing & Sourcing
Fabric rolls ("Than") are purchased in bulk before being tailored into garments by
women artisans working under the organization.
Location: Behala (near Sorsunath), Kolkata.
Their pricing structure remains affordable due to in-house tailoring.
Unique Aspect
The use of Ajrakh prints and Begumpuri sarees showcases a blend of traditional
and contemporary styles.
By employing local women artisans, the organization promotes employment and
economic independence.
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1. Economic Upliftment and Financial Independence
Sabala Mela plays a pivotal role in strengthening the economic foundation of self-
help groups (SHGs), small-scale entrepreneurs, and independent artisans. By
providing a direct-to-consumer marketplace, the event eliminates the need for
middlemen, allowing artisans to earn higher profits and sustain their livelihood.
Many stall owners rely on this fair as a major source of annual income, benefiting
from the high footfall of visitors.
Women-run stalls, in particular, show significant financial empowerment, as
most of the participants are sole proprietors or members of SHGs working
collaboratively.
Profits earned from the fair allow artisans to reinvest in their craft, expand
production, and even employ others, leading to micro-scale employment
generation within their communities.
Some artisans also engage in wholesale trade and bulk orders, increasing their
market reach beyond seasonal fairs.
Through its consistent, yearly organization, Sabala Mela has evolved into a reliable
economic support system for grassroots entrepreneurs, many of whom lack access
to mainstream markets.
2. Empowerment of Women Artisans and Rural Entrepreneurs
Sabala Mela has significantly contributed to women’s empowerment by providing
them with an independent platform to showcase and sell their work. Many of the
participating artisans are women who:
Operate their own stalls, handling both production and sales independently.
Lead self-help groups that collectively engage in textile weaving, jewelry-
making, or handicraft production.
Train other women in artisanal skills, ensuring knowledge transmission and
sustainable employment within rural communities.
A key observation is that many women artisans started learning their craft at a very
young age and have now transformed their expertise into full-fledged businesses.
Some artisans also offer workshops and training sessions, enabling skill
development for future generations.
The fair fosters self-reliance among women by encouraging entrepreneurship,
financial literacy, and leadership skills, ultimately contributing to gender equality and
economic inclusion.
3. Promotion of Traditional Arts, Handicrafts, and Cultural Heritage
Sabala Mela serves as a crucial platform for preserving and promoting Bengal’s rich
artistic heritage. The fair showcases a wide array of indigenous crafts, textiles, and
handmade products, ensuring that traditional techniques continue to thrive in a
rapidly modernizing market.
Art Forms and Craftsmanship Highlighted at the Mela
Handwoven Textiles: Kantha sarees, silk sarees (Tussar, Bishnupuri,
Murshidabad), and Begumpuri sarees.
Embroidery & Print Techniques: Ajrakh prints, Batik, Block printing, and Chain
stitch embroidery.
Jute Handicrafts: Handmade jute bags, table mats, and jute-based toys.
Jewelry & Accessories: Traditional bangles, fabric-wrapped lockets, and hand-
stitched pouches.
Home Décor & Utility Items: Crochet work, tablecloths, and handwoven mats.
By bringing rural artisans into an urban marketplace, the fair ensures visibility for
lesser-known art forms while also educating the public on their significance.
Furthermore, many motifs used in textiles and handicrafts draw inspiration from
Indian mythology, folklore, and nature, reflecting the deep-rooted storytelling
tradition of Bengal’s artisan communities.
4. Expansion of Market Reach and Entrepreneurial Growth
One of the fair’s greatest impacts is its ability to connect artisans with buyers from
diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Many artisans gain new customers who later place bulk or customized orders.
Some exhibitors expand into wholesale and inter-state trade, exporting their
products to cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Government-backed stalls at the fair enhance the credibility of artisan brands,
making it easier for them to enter larger commercial markets.
Many artisans receive feedback from customers, helping them adapt and refine
their products according to consumer demand.
This direct engagement with customers and businesses provides invaluable market
exposure, allowing artisans to scale their businesses beyond seasonal fairs.
5. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship
A major highlight of Sabala Mela is its emphasis on sustainable, eco-conscious
production. Many of the exhibited products are made using environmentally friendly
materials and processes:
Jute products (bags, mats, home décor items) are biodegradable, reducing plastic
consumption.
Handloom textiles use natural fibers like silk, cotton, and wool, supporting eco-
conscious fashion.
Traditional dyeing techniques (such as vegetable dyes and hand-dyeing
methods) minimize chemical waste.
Many artisans upcycle waste fabric into accessories, promoting a zero-waste
approach to production.
By advocating for handmade, slow fashion and sustainable goods, Sabala Mela
contributes to a greener economy, aligning with global efforts toward ethical
consumerism and environmental responsibility.
6. Social and Community Development
Sabala Mela is not just a marketplace; it is a socially transformative event that
nurtures community development and solidarity among artisans.
Many exhibitors belong to cooperatives or self-help groups, where they receive
training, financial support, and a sense of belonging.
The event fosters cross-cultural exchange, as artisans from different regions
share knowledge, skills, and business strategies.
It revitalizes traditional community-based crafts, ensuring that they remain
economically viable.
Additionally, some artisans use their earnings from the fair to support education for
their children, improve their workshops, or invest in better tools and raw materials,
showcasing the fair’s role in uplifting entire families and communities.
7. Government Support & Policy Implications
Since some of the stalls at Sabala Mela are government-supported, the fair also
plays a role in influencing policies related to handicrafts, small-scale industries, and
rural employment.
It provides data on consumer demand, helping policymakers design better
financial assistance programs for artisans.
The success of government-backed stalls at the fair reinforces the importance of
handloom and handicraft schemes in India.
It encourages future collaborations between artisans and state-sponsored
initiatives, ensuring sustained economic support for craft-based industries.
As a result, events like Sabala Mela serve as indicators of the effectiveness of
government policies in promoting indigenous crafts and small-scale
entrepreneurship.