First National SARAS Mela outside Delhi-NCR runs in Vijayawada till October 31

National SARAS Mela 2026 is under way at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, from October 13 to 31. It is the first National SARAS Mela held outside the Delhi-NCR region, and it is organised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

Around 1,500 women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups, including Lakhpati Didis, are taking part through more than 650 stalls representing 34 states and Union Territories. The stalls have handloom textiles, handicrafts, traditional paintings, processed foods, natural products and regional specialities. An India Food Court, cultural performances and learning spaces are also set up at the venue.

Four pavilions help the women build their businesses. The Lakhpati Didi Pavilion shows entrepreneurs reporting earnings of more than ₹10 lakh a year, and in some cases ₹1 crore. The Learning and Knowledge Pavilion holds workshops and expert sessions on packaging, branding, e-commerce, social media marketing and business planning. At the Convergence Pavilion, government departments and financial institutions share information on credit, technical help, skill training and support schemes. The Demonstration Pavilion has artisans showing pottery, needlework and mirror-work embroidery.

The India Food Court has 50 food stalls and more than 200 first-generation women food-service entrepreneurs from over 28 states and Union Territories. SHG products are also sold on the eSARAS online platform, and the SARAS Mela digital app brought in during 2025 handles SHG nominations and event information. UPI payments are accepted at the venue.

SARAS began in 1999 with a National SARAS Mela in Delhi that had around 65 participants. As per the government, 117 National SARAS Melas have been held since then, with annual sales of more than ₹200 crore. The Lakhpati Didi vision aims to help women in Self-Help Groups reach an annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh. The Ministry of Rural Development release gives details of the SARAS Aajeevika brand and the eSARAS platform.