President Murmu to Inaugurate National Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026 in Vijayawada
President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the National Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026 in Vijayawada, featuring 1,000 women entrepreneurs and 650 stalls.
In a historic move for rural empowerment, President Droupadi Murmu is set to inaugurate the National Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on October 15. This landmark event marks the first time a national-scale fair of this magnitude will be hosted outside the Delhi-NCR region, signaling a major shift toward decentralizing national celebrations of rural talent.
The mega event is a collaborative effort between the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) and the Andhra Pradesh Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). It aims to provide a massive platform for the grassroots workforce of India.
A Massive Showcase of Rural Talent and Artistry
The fair is expected to be a vibrant explosion of culture and commerce. Approximately 1,000 women entrepreneurs and artisans from 34 different states and Union Territories have gathered to showcase their skills. With over 650 stalls prepared, visitors can explore a vast array of:
- Traditional handlooms and intricate handicrafts
- Organic goods and natural products
- Authentic household items and artisanal crafts
Beyond just shopping, the fair is designed as a learning hub. Four specialized zones have been established to cater to different interests: the Lakhpati Didi Pavilion, the Knowledge Pavilion, the Convergence Pavilion, and the Live Demonstration Pavilion. In the latter, attendees can watch master artisans perform live demonstrations of pottery, embroidery, and weaving.
Digital Empowerment and the Lakhpati Didi Vision
The inauguration will serve as a launchpad for significant digital tools aimed at uplifting rural women. In the presence of President Murmu and Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Lakhpati Didi Compendium and the SARAS Shakti Application will be officially released.
To further the mission of economic independence, a special film will be screened, highlighting the nation's commitment to creating six crore Lakhpati Didis across India. To bridge the gap between rural production and global markets, experts from industry giants like Amazon and Flipkart, alongside representatives from NABARD, will conduct training sessions on branding, packaging, and e-commerce strategies.
A Culinary Journey Across India
Food lovers will find themselves in paradise as more than 200 women chefs from 28 states prepare traditional regional delicacies live. Using authentic indigenous spices, these chefs will serve iconic dishes including:
- Litti Chokha
- Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
- Makke di Roti-Sarson ka Saag
- Van Sundari
President Murmu is expected to personally inspect the stalls, interact with the entrepreneurs, and share a meal with the Lakhpati Didis from various states, celebrating their journey of self-reliance.
High-Profile Dignitaries to Attend
The inaugural ceremony will be attended by a host of prominent leaders, including Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, along with the State Governor and other high-ranking officials.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has extended a warm invitation to citizens nationwide to visit Vijayawada. He emphasized that attending the fair is a way to support rural artisans and strengthen the Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.