Saras Food Festival 2025 in Delhi Brings Together 300 Lakhpati Didis, Regional Flavours, and Empowerment of Rural Women, Boosting Indian Tourism and Culture: Know More New Updates

Published on December 8, 2025

Delhi’s Sunder Nursery became a vibrant mosaic of regional cuisines, empowering women entrepreneurs, and celebrating India’s rich culinary heritage at the Saras Food Festival 2025. The festival, held in early December, was not just about food—it was a powerful testament to the stories of resilience, empowerment, and the rise of the Lakhpati Didis—women who have transformed their lives and communities through collective effort and entrepreneurship. This year’s festival was a dynamic convergence of culture, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions from across India, and its impact on tourism in Delhi and rural women’s livelihoods is undeniable.

The Saras Food Festival has steadily grown into a major annual event, attracting food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and tourists from across the globe. For many, it has become an essential part of the Delhi tourism circuit, drawing crowds eager to experience the authentic and diverse flavours of India. The festival features more than 500 regional dishes from every corner of the country, representing India’s vast culinary landscape. From Malabar biryani to Himachali siddu, the food stalls are a living celebration of the country’s gastronomic diversity. However, the festival is not just about food—it is about the people behind these dishes and their extraordinary stories of entrepreneurship and empowerment.

Women Entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis: Empowering Rural India

At the heart of the festival were the Lakhpati Didis, women entrepreneurs who have not only contributed to the festival’s success but have also transformed their own lives and the lives of hundreds of others. One such inspiring story is that of a woman from Punjab who began as part of a small Self-Help Group (SHG) in 2018. Initially, her journey was modest—Phulkari embroidery at home, managing household responsibilities. Today, she leads over 500 SHGs across 25 villages, an entrepreneurial network that has grown larger than many formal institutions. Her leadership and vision have turned Phulkari stitching into a thriving business, and her stall at the festival was a symbol of empowerment for women in rural India. This stall was not just a showcase of handcrafted products but a reminder of the transformative potential of rural women when given access to resources and support.

Thanks to government interventions such as sewing machines, training, and a grant of Rs. 30,000 in working capital, women like her have created thriving businesses. The government’s backing has allowed them to transform Phulkari into a highly sought-after product. Today, these women’s craftsmanship is so refined that their Phulkari fabrics are purchased by government departments for use in national and international diplomacy. The quality of their work has garnered international attention, with their products being exported abroad, contributing to the global recognition of Indian craftsmanship.

The success of these SHGs is a beacon of empowerment, showing the world that when rural women are supported, they can create businesses that rival even the largest corporations. At the Saras Food Festival, the energy and spirit of these women could be felt at every stall, as they showcased a diverse range of products, from sweaters and school uniforms to decorative items, all made with exceptional skill and passion.

Culinary Traditions of India: A Journey Through Regional Dishes

As the Saras Food Festival unfolded at Delhi’s Sunder Nursery, visitors were transported on a culinary journey across India. With more than 300 Lakhpati Didis and entrepreneurs participating, the event featured more than 500 regional dishes, each telling a unique story of India’s rich culinary history. The festival was more than just an opportunity to taste delicious food; it was an immersive experience into India’s diverse culture, traditions, and history. Each dish—whether it was dal baati churma from Rajasthan, Malabar biryani from Kerala, or tandoor tea from Himachal Pradesh—was infused with stories of generations of families preserving recipes handed down through centuries.

The festival served as a powerful reminder of how food and culture are intertwined. Every dish represented not just a region’s culinary prowess but also the culture and history of that place. For tourists, the festival offered an opportunity to experience a pan-Indian culinary extravaganza, making Delhi a key destination for those looking to explore authentic regional cuisines from across the country.

From the rich, spiced flavours of Maharashtrian vada pav to the delicate flavours of Kashmiri wazwan, the festival offered something for every palate. Visitors could not only taste these dishes but also learn about the significance behind each one, whether it was a dish made for special occasions or a recipe rooted in family tradition.

Impact on Tourism: A New Dimension for Delhi’s Travel Scene

The Saras Food Festival 2025 had a notable impact on Delhi’s tourism scene. As one of the largest cultural events in the city, the festival attracted both domestic and international tourists, many of whom were visiting Delhi specifically for the event. The festival gave a boost to local businesses in the area, from hotels and restaurants to transportation services. Visitors from across the country came not only for the food but for the unique cultural experience the festival provided. For Delhi’s tourism industry, the festival was an opportunity to showcase the diverse and vibrant culture of India while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Additionally, the event acted as a platform for cultural exchange, where tourists from various parts of the world could experience the authentic flavours of India, often missed in mainstream restaurants. The Saras Food Festival highlighted Delhi’s potential to host large-scale cultural events, attracting international tourists who are increasingly looking for authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Empowering Women and Communities Through SHGs

One of the key aspects of the Saras Food Festival was the representation of women’s empowerment through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These SHGs have been instrumental in creating sustainable livelihoods for rural women. The Saras Food Festival provided a powerful platform for these women to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and the positive changes brought about by community-based enterprises. By supporting these women, the festival has contributed to a larger movement of empowering rural communities and boosting local economies.

In addition to the culinary offerings, the handcrafted products presented by the SHG participants drew significant attention. Visitors could see first-hand how women’s enterprises are shaping local economies and contributing to the global export market. Through these efforts, the festival also highlighted the importance of fair trade and ethical sourcing in today’s globalized economy, making it a festival that not only celebrates food but also the empowerment of women and sustainable practices.

The Future of Culinary and Cultural Festivals in India

The Saras Food Festival 2025 is a clear indication of the growing importance of culinary festivals in India’s tourism landscape. This event serves as a model for future festivals, showcasing how cultural events can drive tourism, empower local communities, and promote sustainability. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration between the government, NGOs, and local enterprises to create platforms that benefit both the economy and society at large.

In the years to come, it is expected that more culinary festivals will emerge, each celebrating different aspects of India’s diverse culture. These events will continue to attract international tourists, bolstering India’s reputation as a global culinary destination while also empowering rural women and communities.

Conclusion: A True Celebration of India’s Spirit

The Saras Food Festival 2025 was not just a culinary event—it was a celebration of India’s resilience, culture, and empowerment. It showcased the richness of India’s regional cuisines and the transformative potential of women entrepreneurs. By providing a platform for rural women to showcase their products, the festival helped transform them from local artisans to global entrepreneurs.

For tourists, the event was an immersive experience that allowed them to explore the flavours and stories of India’s vast culinary and cultural landscape. For Delhi, the festival added a new dimension to its tourism offerings, reinforcing the city’s role as a cultural and culinary hub. Ultimately, the Saras Food Festival 2025 was a celebration of food, culture, and the empowerment of women, making it a crucial part of India’s tourism and cultural heritage.