National SARAS Mela 2026 Held in Vijayawada to Promote Rural Women Entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups

Why Is It in News?

The National SARAS Mela 2026 was scheduled from 13 to 31 October 2026 at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Organised by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, the event was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on 15 October 2026

About

SARAS is associated with the promotion and marketing of products made by rural Self-Help Groups, particularly women-led enterprises supported under the rural livelihoods framework.

The 2026 National SARAS Mela brought together more than 1,500 women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups across over 30 States and Union Territories.

Key features of the mela include:

1. Stalls showcasing locally produced goods and traditional crafts.
2. Regional food products and traditional cuisine.
3. Direct market access for rural women entrepreneurs.
4. Opportunities to connect with customers and buyers.
5. Promotion of entrepreneurship and livelihood generation through SHGs.
6. Greater visibility for local products and rural enterprise stories.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Andhra Pradesh, and the state government.

The mela supports the broader objectives of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which promotes rural livelihoods by mobilising poor rural households, especially women, into Self-Help Groups and supporting their economic activities.

Key Points

1. Event: National SARAS Mela 2026.
2. Venue: Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
3. Dates: 13–31 October 2026.
4. Inaugurated by: President Droupadi Murmu.
5. Inauguration date: 15 October 2026.
6. Organiser: Ministry of Rural Development.
7. Partner organisation: Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Andhra Pradesh.
8. Participation: More than 1,500 women entrepreneurs from SHGs across 30+ States and Union Territories.
9. Main focus: Rural livelihoods, women’s entrepreneurship, traditional crafts and local products.
10. Related scheme: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
11. Significance: Expands market access and economic opportunities for rural women-led enterprises.