Taruni Madhura Nagar fair a big hit

Madhura Nagar: The 60-day Taruni Fair that is dedicated to women is drawing enthusiastic visitors to its stalls. The stalls are well-placed and enough walking space provided for visitors to move around freely.

The whole expo is well-lit. The main attraction of the fair is presentation of a picturesque village zone that reflects Telangana rural life. Visitors are so enthralled by its exhibits that many are seen capturing scenery with their mobiles and camerals.

The two acres of open space of Metro station have around 150 stalls offering women and children-centric products including clothes, beauty and healthcare products, jute materials, organic food, and home utilities etc. The whole commercial activities at the fair are managed by the women and various women entrepreneurs at their respective stalls were seen busily explaining about their products to the customer.

Within the vicinity, a small stage is set up for the amateurs to showcase their skills. Amusement rides for children are also available at the fair along with a food court. The fair will be open from 5 pm to 10.30 pm for the next two months and the entry is free.

Raj Kumar, an associate organiser of Taruni Fair, said such a fair is being held for the first time in Hyderabad, thanks to the initiatives of HMRL MD NVS Reddy to come up with such a unique concept. He further said around 50 stalls availed of help from Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Area (MEPMA). All the products are eco–friendly and a good response is building. Organisers claim the products were priced 20% lower compared to the market.

N S Navaneetha Krishna, a bamboo artist who created the village scenario, said that it was set up in four days flat. "To give a real look of the village, I have created a bull cart. Even a small well is constructed and also some domestic animals are kept in a cage. So, the visitor can get a feel of village atmosphere." He also said that the constructed materials are natural and that is used in village-like local grass of Telangana, stale title, Bamboo, local grass, palm leaves.

R Anitha who runs stall no. 38 sells jute bags. She was happy with the response and thanked the HMRL to allow people like her to reach out to customers. T Rama, a textile seller, at stall no. 1 said she was very glad to open the stall.

She expects good business, going forward, with more crowds pouring in in the days to come. R Gayatri who manages stall no. 20 said all the clothes she was selling were of pure cotton and also priced lower. Sunitha, the stall no 74 owner, said all products were made available at the fair at reasonable prices. She showed her costume jewellery featuring latest designs.

Rajani, selling Gujarati design bags, said it was great of HMRL to think about giving thrust to the self-employment activities of women at the all-women run Metro station. Reena, a visitor, said the open fair was a unique concept to foster women empowerment. Seema, another visitor, observed that all the products were priced at affordable rates.