The Uttar Pradesh government is organising Divya Diwali mela starting from today in many districts, which will showcase the excellent handicrafts and other items prepared by Divyangs only.
Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is organizing this first-of-its-kind traditional fair, which will be held for two days, 16 and 17 October, in Lucknow and other districts.
Minister of State for Backwards Classes Welfare and Disabled Empowerment Narendra Kashyap said that the objective of this event is to provide a market for the excellent products manufactured by the disabled people and to strengthen their self-confidence.
Artificial jewellery, home decorative items, handloom products, attractive candles, earthen lamps, utensils and puja materials, pickles, jams, spices and other household products made by the disabled will be available in the fair.
The initiative, led by department of empowerment of persons with disabilities, aims to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, while ensuring economic empowerment and social dignity for differently-abled.
From clay lamps, candles and handloom products to artificial jewellery, home décor and food items, the exhibitions will highlight creativity and enterprise of participants trained at various centres, self-help groups and NGOs.
Govt has directed all divisional headquarters to designate exhibition venues, ensure wide publicity and link these products to digital platforms for online sale, expanding their reach to national and international markets.
Preparations for the fair were made in Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Kanpur and Meerut, with similar events set to take place in Basti, Aligarh, Varanasi, Jhansi, Prayagraj and Bareilly.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised that on Diwali this year, light of inclusion and self-reliance will spread alongside traditional celebrations, making the festival a symbol of compassion and empowerment.
Minister for backward classes welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities Narendra Kashyap lauded the initiative and said, “Divya Deepawali Mela will showcase talents of differently-abled and inspire society with the message that every individual can bring light to the world through their abilities.”