Rural Consumers Show Growing Interest in Festive Gift Hampers Prepared by Women Self-Help Groups
Lucknow: Diwali celebrations across Uttar Pradesh are set to receive a special touch of local craftsmanship, with products made by women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission finding increasing demand in both rural and urban markets.
Under the leadership and guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, the State Rural Livelihood Mission has intensified its efforts to strengthen rural women’s livelihoods and promote financial independence. The initiative also supports the government’s Lakhpati Didi programme, which aims to increase women’s household incomes.
Mission Director Arun Kumar said thousands of SHG members had prepared a wide range of festive products in accordance with market demand. These include designer diyas, decorative candles and other Diwali essentials. Special gift hampers featuring products made by SHG members have also been introduced, attracting considerable interest among rural consumers.
To expand their market reach, the mission has also facilitated the registration of these products on online selling platforms, allowing customers to access them beyond local markets.
A major attraction this festive season is the range of eco-friendly products made using cow dung and Panchgavya. Women entrepreneurs are preparing idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, along with decorative diyas and fancy candles made from beeswax. These products combine traditional craftsmanship with environmentally conscious alternatives.
SHG members are also producing havan materials, including dhoop sticks, incense sticks and other puja essentials, offering consumers locally made options for their festive celebrations.
The initiative is providing women in rural areas with opportunities to showcase their skills, expand their businesses and earn additional income during the festive season. By connecting SHG products with traditional retail markets and online platforms, the State Rural Livelihood Mission is also seeking to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and make women-led enterprises more sustainable.
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