For the fourth year in a row, Mann Deshi is hosting a unique exhibition in Mumbai that features art, music, sport, food and products particular to Mann Taluka in rural Maharashtra. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet some of these women entrepreneurs, farmers, bara balutedars and sample their delicious and handmade produce, indigenous products and work, and also have fun with your family and friends!
Around 100 rural entrepreneurs, artisans and farmers will exhibit a wide range of products typical to the Mann, rural and tribal region of Maharashtra.
At this wonderful fair, you can meet farmers and directly buy indigenous food grains, hand pounded dals, millets, pulses, jaggery, dry fruits, various kinds of ready made attas from them. You can meet rural women entrepreneurs and relish their home-made papads, chutneys, dry snacks, delicacies, pickles and drinks – all particular to this part of Maharashtra. Especially popular are the Khan and Irkal blouses, saris, bags, dupattas and dress materials.
There will also be plenty for your children and families to enjoy! The bara balutedars, or local artisans, will display their craft and hold live-demonstrations. You can make your own clay pot or wooden belan, learn the art of kasuti or just watch as cobblers, blacksmiths and weavers display their skills!
Every evening, there will be diverse performances highlighting the rich musical, dance, sport and activist traditions of Mann. Here’s a list:
9th January 2020 (Thursday) 6.00 – 7.30 pm: Bharud Performance by a renowned artist Smt. Chandatai Tiwadi and her troupe.
10th January 2020 (Friday) 6.00 – 7.30 pm: Young athletes and wrestlers who are part of the Mann Deshi Champions programme will present their talents and skills.
11th January 2020 (Saturday) 6.00 – 7.30 pm: Performance of traditional folk music including Bharud and Abhangs with a star and renowned performer Dr. Mrudula Dadhe Joshi and her troupe.
12th January 2020 (Sunday) 6.00 – 7.30 pm: Performance by rural artists from Mann Deshi Tarang Vahini (Community Radio).
This exhibition is an invaluable platform for rural entrepreneurs to directly connect with a large number of customers on an ongoing basis and will significantly boost women’s incomes and business acumen. It is also an opportunity for urban citizens to experience the rural culture, art, food, music and heritage in the heart of Mumbai.
