Wedding Planner Concept Behind Araaish
Source: WeddingSutra
Anupama Shenoy spoke with Mana Shetty and Sharmilla Khanna, co-organizers of Araaish, an exclusive lifestyle exhibition that raises funds for Save the Children India. Wedifys is proud to have partnered with Araaish as their digital partner. Life is often about finding our inner peace, and women take different paths to get there—some through creativity, others through professional success or prioritizing family. For Mana Shetty and Sharmilla Khanna, this sense of fulfillment comes from their dedication to Save the Children India, an NGO founded by Mana’s late mother, Mrs. Vipula Kadri. Araaish, established in 2007 in honor of Mrs. Kadri’s commitment to empowering the underprivileged, has been a yearly initiative to support the cause.
Wedding Planner Concept Behind Araaish
Mana Shetty, alongside Sharmilla Khanna and Richa and Rohan Begani of Begani Jewels, leads Araaish with passion. Mana now heads Save the Children India (STCI), an organization recognized for its award-winning work, including running the top NGO hospital in Latur. While such accolades are encouraging, Mana sees them as motivation to continue pushing forward. Sharmilla, an event manager and choreographer, was a close collaborator of Mrs. Kadri before co-founding Araaish with Mana. "Araaish stands apart from other fundraising exhibitions," Sharmilla shares, describing it as a vibrant event where women enjoy shopping for exclusive items in a lively atmosphere filled with good food and music. She curates the show, selecting unique, one-of-a-kind products that showcase creativity and craftsmanship.
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Wedding Planner Style That Makes Araaish Different
When asked how they conceived the idea for Araaish, Sharmilla recalls not wanting to follow the traditional route of a fashion show fundraiser, as it lacked novelty in a landscape crowded with fashion weeks. A lifestyle exhibition, however, offered a fresh and exciting approach, and its success has been overwhelming. Designers and stores eagerly request to participate each year, as Araaish draws some of the city’s most affluent and creatively inclined women.
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Wedding Planner Execution Changing Lives
While their work has positively impacted many lives, Mana and Sharmilla note that charity work has changed their own lives as well. Sharmilla channels her aesthetic talents and public influence into this full-time endeavor, while Mana finds immense personal growth and emotional fulfillment through her involvement with STCI. She sees herself as a guardian angel to the children of STCI, who, in return, shower her with love and gratitude. Mana's own children are deeply inspired when they visit STCI's projects and witness the possibilities available to underprivileged children-moments she cherishes as some of life’s most precious.
Wedding Planner Curated Araaish Events
Begani Jewels proudly presented Araaish in support of Save the Children India, with past events held on:
29th September in Dubai
16th October at The Grand, Delhi
22nd October at Blue Sea, Mumbai
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Conclusion
Araaish proves that when creativity meets wedding planner-level execution, even charity becomes an unforgettable experience. It is not just about shopping - it is about giving hope, creating opportunities, and changing lives. Through the dedication of Mana Shetty, Sharmilla Khanna, and their partners, Araaish continues to inspire people to shop with purpose and live with compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Araaish, and how did it start?
Araaish is an annual lifestyle exhibition showcasing exclusive products, organized to raise funds and awareness for Save the Children India (STCI), an NGO committed to supporting underprivileged children. It was founded in 2007 by Mana Shetty and Sharmilla Khanna in memory of Mana’s mother, Mrs. Vipula Kadri, who dedicated her life to empowering marginalized communities. Araaish offers a unique platform for women to shop for creative and exclusive products, with all proceeds going to the charity.
2. How does Araaish differ from other fundraising events?
Unlike traditional fundraising events, Araaish is not a typical fashion show or charity auction. Instead, it is a carefully curated lifestyle exhibition featuring one-of-a-kind products, exclusive designs, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Sharmilla Khanna, who co-organizes the event, ensures that the exhibition stands out by selecting items based on their uniqueness and creativity, making Araaish a vibrant and enjoyable day of shopping for affluent and creatively inclined women.
3. What role does Save the Children India play in Araaish?
Save the Children India (STCI) is the primary beneficiary of Araaish. The exhibition was created to support STCI's mission of empowering underprivileged children through education, healthcare, and skill development. Mana Shetty, who leads STCI, works tirelessly to ensure the organization continues its impactful work, such as running the award-winning NGO hospital in Latur. All proceeds from Araaish go directly to supporting these initiatives, making the exhibition not just a shopping event, but a meaningful contribution to society.
4. How can one participate or contribute to Araaish?
Each year, Araaish welcomes participation from designers, stores, and brands that offer exclusive and creative products. If you're a designer or store interested in being part of the exhibition, you can reach out to the event organizers, though spaces are highly sought-after due to the popularity of the event. For others who want to contribute, attending Araaish, spreading the word, or donating directly to Save the Children India are meaningful ways to support the cause.
