National SARAS Mela 2026: First edition outside Delhi lands in Vijayawada
Synopsis
For the first time in its history, the National SARAS Mela has stepped outside Delhi-NCR — landing in Vijayawada with 1,500 women SHG entrepreneurs from 34 states and union territories. The move is being framed as more than a venue change: it is a deliberate signal that national economic platforms should travel to rural producers, not the other way around.
Key Takeaways
The National SARAS Mela 2026 is being held at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada — the first edition outside Delhi-NCR .
The event runs from 13 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 , featuring over 650 stalls .
Approximately 1,500 women SHG entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis from 34 states and UTs are participating.
A total of 117 National SARAS Melas have been held to date, with annual sales exceeding ₹200 crore .
Digital platform eSARAS extends market access for rural women entrepreneurs beyond the physical event.
States and UTs are required to hold at least two state-level SARAS Melas annually, averaging 50 events nationwide each year.
The National SARAS Mela 2026 has made history by moving beyond the Delhi-NCR region for the first time, with the Vijayawada edition running from 13 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 at Punnami Ghat. According to an official factsheet released on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, the decentralisation reflects the government's intent to bring national platforms closer to local producers and consumers across India.
Scale and Participation
The Vijayawada mela has drawn approximately 1,500 women self-help group (SHG) entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis from 34 states and union territories, showcasing their wares across more than 650 stalls. Products on display span regional textiles, handicrafts, natural and processed foods, and other rural goods. The venue also features an India Food Court, cultural showcases, and dedicated learning spaces for enterprise development.
What Is the SARAS Mela and Who Runs It
The SARAS Melas are organised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), a flagship Centre-run programme aimed at connecting rural women entrepreneurs with wider markets, buyers, and business opportunities. The melas are designed to strengthen sustainable livelihoods and advance the Lakhpati Didi vision — a government initiative targeting income growth for rural women. According to the factsheet, 117 National SARAS Melas have been held to date, with cumulative annual sales exceeding ₹200 crore.
Digital Extensions and Broader Ecosystem
Beyond the physical fair, digital platform eSARAS extends market access for participating entrepreneurs, allowing rural women to reach buyers outside the event window. Dedicated pavilions at the mela offer institutional support and business learning opportunities. The statement noted that the melas 'promote the vision of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'give consumers a direct way to discover rural products and meet the women entrepreneurs behind them.'
Decentralisation as a Broader Policy Signal
The factsheet drew a parallel between the SARAS Mela's regional shift and the Centre's wider practice of hosting major events — including BRICS and G20 meetings — at locations outside the capital. States and union territories are also mandated to organise a minimum of two state-level SARAS Melas annually, bringing the national average to roughly 50 such events per year. This come amid a sustained push to deepen rural enterprise networks and reduce the concentration of economic opportunity in metropolitan centres.
What Comes Next
The Vijayawada edition continues through 31 October 2026, with organisers expected to assess its commercial and outreach outcomes as a template for future national editions in non-metro cities. If the model proves replicable, subsequent National SARAS Melas could be distributed across more regional centres, further expanding market access for women-led rural enterprises.
Point of View
But the real question is whether one edition in Andhra Pradesh translates into a durable multi-city rotation or remains a one-off milestone. The ₹200 crore cumulative sales figure across 117 editions sounds substantial until you divide it — and the per-event average reveals how much headroom remains for commercial scale. The Lakhpati Didi framing gives this rural enterprise ecosystem political salience, but sustained income gains for SHG members will depend on whether eSARAS and institutional support convert mela footfall into year-round market linkages, not just annual showcase moments.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National SARAS Mela?
The National SARAS Mela is a government-organised fair under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) that connects rural women SHG entrepreneurs with buyers, markets, and business opportunities. It features products ranging from regional textiles and handicrafts to natural and processed foods.
Where and when is the National SARAS Mela 2026 being held?
The 2026 edition is being held at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, from 13 October 2026 to 31 October 2026. It is the first National SARAS Mela to take place outside the Delhi-NCR region.
How many entrepreneurs are participating in the Vijayawada SARAS Mela?
Approximately 1,500 women SHG entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis from 34 states and union territories are participating, showcasing their products across more than 650 stalls.
What is the Lakhpati Didi initiative?
The Lakhpati Didi initiative is a government programme aimed at helping rural women earn a sustained annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through skill development and enterprise support. The SARAS Melas are one of the platforms used to advance this goal by providing market access to women-led rural enterprises.
How large is the SARAS Mela programme nationally?
A total of 117 National SARAS Melas have been held to date, with cumulative annual sales exceeding ₹200 crore. States and UTs also organise a minimum of two state-level SARAS Melas each year, bringing the national annual average to around 50 such events.
