23rd Divya Kala Mela – an embodiment of the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement – to be organized from 9th – 19th January 2024, at Akota Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

23rd Divya Kala Mela – an embodiment of the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement – to be organized from 9th – 19th January 2024, at Akota Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat

100 Divyang Artisans, Artists and Entrepreneurs from around 20 States/UTs to showcase a diverse array of Products and Cultural Diversity

Posted On: 08 JAN 2025 8:13PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) (DEPwD), under Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (M/o SJ&E), is all set to organize the 23^rd Divya Kala Mela through its apex Corporation, National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), from 9^th – 19^th January 2024, at Akota Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat. The event is scheduled to be inaugurated tomorrow by the Union Minister of State (SJ&E), Shri B.L. Verma, in august presence of dignitaries from Gujarat Government.

The 11-day event will be showcasing a diverse range of  products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country. The event would present an enthralling experience to the visitors as vibrant products from various parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states, handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works and cuisine will be seen together.

The Mela is a unique initiative towards the economic empowerment of PwD/Divyangjan. It presents a big platform for marketing and showcasing the products and skills of Divyangjan (PwD). Around 100 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from about 20 states/UTs will be showcasing their products and skills. There would be products including Home Décor & Lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, Toys and Gifts, Personal Accessories Jewellery, Clutch Bags. It will be an opportunity for all to go vocal for local’ and products made by Divyang craftsmen with their extra determination can be seen/purchased.

The Mela will be open from 11.00 A.M. to 09.00 P.M. and witness a series of cultural activities, including performances by Divyang artists and well- known professionals alongside. Visitors can also enjoy their favourite foods from various regions of the country at the event. A special cultural programme titled ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ will be presented at this fair on 19^th January, 2025, by Divyang artists from various parts of the country.

The Mela at Vadodara (Gujarat) is the 23^rd one in series initiated from 2022, with earlier editions as follows:

(i) Delhi, 2^nd – 6^th December 2022, (ii) Mumbai, 16^th – 25^th February 2023, (iii) Bhopal, 12^th – 21^st March 2023, (iv) Guwahati, 11^th – 17^th May 2023 (v) Indore, 17^th – 23^rd June 2023 (vi) Jaipur, 29^th June – 5^th July 2023 (vii) Varanasi, 15^th – 24^th September, 2023 (viii) Secunderabad, Hyderabad 6^th – 15^th October 2023 (ix) Bengaluru, 27^th October – 5^th November, 2023 (x) Chennai, 17^th – 26^th November, 2023, (xi) Patna, 8^th – 17^th December 2023, (xii) Surat, 29^th December to 7^th January 2024, (xiii) Nagpur, 11^th – 21^st January 2024. (xiv) Agartala, 6^th – 11^th February 2024. (xv) Ahmedabad, 16^tg – 25^th February 2024 (xvi) Bhubaneswar 5^th – 11^th July 2024 (xvii) Raipur, 16^th – 22^nd Aug 2024 (xviii) Ranchi, 28^th August – 7^th September 2024 (xix) Vishakhapatnam, 19^th – 29^th September, 2024 (xx) Pune, 28^th September to 06^th October 2024 (xxi) Jabalpur, 17^th – 27^th October, 2024 (xxii) Delhi, 12^th – 22^nd December, 2024.

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VM

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