National SARAS Mela 2026 Launches in Vijayawada
The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, in collaboration with the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Andhra Pradesh, is organizing the first National SARAS Mela outside Delhi-NCR in Vijayawada from October 13 to 31, 2026. The event will be held at Punnami Ghat and represents a significant initiative to showcase rural enterprise and women-led entrepreneurship.
The mela will feature participation from over 1,500 women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups across more than 30 states and union territories. These participants will showcase traditional crafts, regional cuisines, and entrepreneurial stories, creating a direct marketplace for rural products. Specific regional artistry includes Phulkari from Punjab, Pashmina from Jammu & Kashmir, Ikat and Telia textiles from Telangana, Paunchei from Mizoram, along with intricate handicrafts such as Meenakari, Dokra, brasswork, woodcraft, and traditional paintings.
Hon'ble President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the mela on October 15, 2026, at 11:30 AM. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by Shri S. Abdul Nazeer, Governor of Andhra Pradesh; Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development; and Shri Konidala Pawan Kalyan, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Other dignitaries include Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Ministers of State Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (Rural Development and Communications), Shri Kamlesh Paswan (Rural Development), and Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma (Heavy Industries and Steel).
The event aligns with the Government of India's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and supports the Prime Minister's vision of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029. A dedicated Lakhpati Didi Pavilion will showcase the journey of women moving from skills to enterprise, market access, and sustainable income. The mela also features specialized pavilions including a Knowledge Pavilion for interactions with corporates and industry experts on branding, marketing, packaging, and business development; a Convergence Pavilion connecting women with relevant government departments and institutions; a Demo Pavilion for live craft demonstrations; and a food court with 50 stalls offering regional delicacies.
A 16-foot signature installation called "SHAKTI - The Spirit of Lakhpati Didi" will symbolize the collective power of millions of women preserving India's craftsmanship while transforming skills into livelihoods. The event is supported by government partners including NABARD and NIRDPR and coincides with the Dasara Sharannavaratri Utsavams and Vijayawada Utsav 2.0 celebrations.