Ministry of Rural Development Brings National SARAS Mela 2026 to Vijayawada for the First Time outside Delhi-NCR, in Collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Government

The Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Government and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), is organizing the National SARAS Mela 2026 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada from 13 to 31 October 2026. This marks the first time the event is held outside the Delhi-NCR region. The Mela brings together over 1,500 women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across more than 30 States and Union Territories to showcase traditional crafts, handlooms, and regional cuisines. Aligned with Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and the goal of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis by 2029, the event features specialized pavilions including a Lakhpati Didi Pavilion, Knowledge Pavilion, Convergence Pavilion, and Demo Pavilion to facilitate market access, business development, and capacity building for rural women.