Saras Mela is a living example of rural women's self-reliance, skills and self-reliance: Sharun Kumar

Patna, September 28, 2026: The Saras Mela held at Gyan Bhawan, Gandhi Maidan has generated a turnover of over Rs 3 crore in eight days. Of this, around Rs 64 lakh was purchased on Sunday, September 27 alone. Given the large crowds and their propensity for shopping, this year's 10-day fair is expected to generate a turnover of over Rs 5 crore.
Saras Mela is being organized in the capital Patna since 2014 with the aim of promoting rural entrepreneurship and providing a national market to women entrepreneurs associated with self-help groups. This year the festival started on September 20. Women entrepreneurs of self-help groups of 15 states across the country, including Bihar, have set up stalls. Out of the 135 stalls, 72 are the stalls of Bihar Jeevika didis.
The fair mainly attracts visitors with its Madhubani paintings, Sojani art, Sukki handicrafts, Terracotta, Bhagalpuri silk, Lakhi bangles of Rajasthan, Bandhej of Gujarat, Pathani of Maharashtra, Goa handicrafts, Jute handicrafts of West Bengal, Assam silk, Indian silk, South crafts etc. Matka, cotton, kosha, and other garments, including sarees, shalwar, suits, nighties, phulkari, and stalls of carpets, chairs, lamps, chandeliers, artificial flowers and flower pots etc. Rural Development Minister Mr. Sharun Kumar said that former Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar's visionary thinking and Jivekaan led by him has revolutionized women empowerment. The Bihar Saras Mela is not just a means of selling products, but a living example of rural women's self-reliance, expertise and self-reliance. Through their dedication, Jeevika Didi and women associated with self-help groups have proven that rural talent can bring about an economic revolution when given the right opportunities and markets. Initiatives like the Satt Jiveko Parjan Scheme and the Subordinate Women Employment Scheme have become a strong foundation for overall village development and poverty alleviation.