National Saras Mela 2026: Vijayawada Hosts 1st Ever Outside Delhi-NCR

The Union Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), is hosting the National Saras Mela 2026 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada from October 13 to 31, 2026.

National Saras Mela 2026: Key Details at a Glance

Landmark Event Moves Outside Delhi-NCR

The National Saras Mela 2026 marks a significant milestone as Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, hosts the exhibition's first edition outside the Delhi-NCR region. Running at Punnami Ghat alongside the Dasara Sharannavaratri Utsavams and Vijayawada Utsav 2.0, the 19-day event showcases rural women-led entrepreneurship.

President Droupadi Murmu will formally inaugurate the fair on October 15, 2026. High-level dignitaries attending include:

• S. Abdul Nazeer (Governor of Andhra Pradesh)
• N. Chandrababu Naidu (Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh)
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development)
• Konidala Pawan Kalyan (Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh)

More than 1,500 women entrepreneurs affiliated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across 30+ states and Union Territories are gathering to display traditional crafts, textiles, and regional culinary traditions.

Empowering Rural Women Through DAY-NRLM and Lakhpati Didi

The National Saras Mela advances rural women's economic independence under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

The event directly advances the government's target of developing six crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029. By offering a direct-to-consumer marketplace, the mela helps rural women scale micro-enterprises into sustainable commercial ventures without relying on intermediaries.

Digital Market Access

• Saras Aajeevika Gallery: Features curated product displays crafted by SHGs.
• eSARAS Digital Platform: Connects rural artisans with nationwide e-commerce platforms, extending market outreach beyond physical event dates.

Traditional Handicrafts and Regional Gastronomy

Visitors at Punnami Ghat can explore diverse, authentic regional art forms and textiles, including:

• Textiles & Apparels: Punjab’s Phulkari, Jammu & Kashmir’s Pashmina, Telangana’s Ikat and Telia fabrics, and Mizoram’s Puanchei.
• Artisan Crafts: Meenakari jewelry, Dokra brass art, carved wooden artifacts, metalware, and traditional paintings.
• Food Court: 50 dedicated food stalls offer authentic home-cooked regional delicacies from across India.

Specialized Pavilions and Interactive Installations

Four distinct pavilions assist participating SHG members in expanding business capabilities:

1. Lakhpati Didi Pavilion: Highlights success stories and business achievements of rural women entrepreneurs.
2. Gyan Pavilion: Offers expert training in product branding, packaging, financial literacy, and marketing strategies.
3. Samanvay Pavilion: Facilitates networking between women entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, and government departments.
4. Demo Pavilion: Features live craft demonstrations by master artisans showcasing traditional production techniques.

Centerpiece: 'Shakti – The Spirit of Lakhpati Didi'

A 16-foot-tall artwork titled 'Shakti – The Spirit of Lakhpati Didi' serves as the central icon at Punnami Ghat. Supported by NABARD and NIRDPR, the installation symbolizes resilience, craftsmanship, and economic self-reliance among rural Indian women.