Sisir Saras Mela 2026 inaugurated in Bhubaneswar; massive boost to 'vocal for local' movement

The Sisir Saras Mela 2026 was inaugurated on Friday at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar, marking the start of one of Odisha’s flagship exhibitions focused on rural livelihoods, handicrafts and self-help groups. The nine-day event, organised by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department of the Odisha government, will continue till January 18.

The mela was formally inaugurated by Odisha Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Gokulananda Mallik in the presence of public representatives, senior officials and stakeholders associated with rural development and marketing.

Dignitaries Grace Inaugural Event

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Bhubaneswar MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das, Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) Chief Executive Officer Dr Monica Priyadarshini, and ORMAS Additional Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Kumar Singh, among others.

Wide Participation From Odisha and Other States

This year’s Sisir Saras Mela features a total of 340 sales stalls and 35 food stalls. Artisans, producers and self-help group members from all 30 districts of Odisha are participating in the fair. In addition, representatives from 20 other states have also set up stalls, making the event a national-level platform for showcasing traditional crafts and products.

Focus on Rural Livelihoods and SHGs

Addressing the gathering, Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the primary objective of the Sisir Saras Mela is to highlight rural life and traditional livelihoods. “From handlooms and handicrafts to traditional food, the mela brings village culture to the forefront. More than 400 stalls have been set up, and I urge residents of Bhubaneswar and visitors to experience and reconnect with rural life,” he said.

He added that the participation of women self-help groups, artisans and producers from nearly 40 regions outside Odisha provides an opportunity for exchange of skills, ideas and market exposure.

Artisans Share Success Stories

Participants at the mela shared positive experiences from previous editions. Kabita Sabat, a businesswoman associated with a women’s self-help group, said government-organised fairs had played a key role in expanding her enterprise. “We are selling dress materials, ready-made garments and sarees, including Sambalpuri handloom products and sarees featuring Pattachitra designs. Our group consists of 12 women. On the first day alone, we earned nearly Rs 12,000,” she said, adding that the group has been in existence for eight years and has been participating in government melas for the past four years.

Cultural Programmes Add to Attractions

Apart from exhibitions and sales, a range of cultural programmes will be held every evening during the Sisir Saras Mela, adding to the festive atmosphere and enhancing the experience for visitors throughout the event.