SARAS Mela 2026

Why in News?

The National SARAS Mela is being organised at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, from 13 October to 31 October 2026. It is the first National SARAS Mela to be organised outside the Delhi-NCR region, providing a marketplace for women-led rural enterprises and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

About SARAS Mela

• Purpose: To connect rural women entrepreneurs with consumers, buyers and institutions.
• Organising framework: The government organises SARAS Melas under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Products showcased: Handlooms, handicrafts, processed foods and other locally made goods.
• Market access: The mela enables SHG members to showcase their products, reach new customers and explore opportunities to expand their businesses.

Traditional Crafts and Products Showcased

The Vijayawada Mela brings together traditional products and crafts from different parts of India, including:

• Phulkari: Punjab.
• Pashmina: Jammu and Kashmir.
• Ikat and Telia textiles: Telangana.
• Paunchei: Mizoram.
• Other crafts: Meenakari, Dokra, brasswork, woodcraft and traditional paintings.

About DAY-NRLM

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission is the government’s flagship programme for reducing rural poverty and promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Its major features include:

• Organising rural women into Self-Help Groups and their federations.
• Promoting financial inclusion.
• Supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
• Strengthening women’s entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Evolution of SARAS Mela

The SARAS Mela initiative began in 1999, when the first National SARAS Mela was organised in Delhi with around 65 beneficiaries. Since then, the platform has expanded to national, regional, state and district levels.

About the Lakhpati Didi Initiative

The Lakhpati Didi initiative is an outcome-oriented livelihood initiative under DAY-NRLM. It seeks to help women associated with SHGs and their households achieve sustainable income through diversified livelihood opportunities.

A Lakhpati Didi is an SHG member whose household earns at least ₹1 lakh annually on a sustainable basis.

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