Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the 21st Regional Saras Mela 2026 at Bhopal Haat on October 24, bringing together women’s self-help groups and artisans to showcase handicrafts, handloom products and regional specialities.
Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development Radha Singh was also present at the inauguration.
The fair, sponsored by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and organised by the state’s Panchayat and Rural Development Department, is being held from October 23 to November 4, 2026. It aims to provide women’s self-help groups with a platform to display and sell their products, promote rural entrepreneurship and improve market access.
Addressing the event, Patel said the Saras Mela enables rural women to present their products directly to consumers. He highlighted its role in supporting women’s economic self-reliance and strengthening the rural economy.
201 Participants Register for the Regional Saras Mela
The 2026 edition features participation from self-help groups, artisans and other self-employed individuals from across the country.
According to the state government, 201 participants have registered for the fair, including:
- 52 self-help groups representing 15 states.
- Around 104 women’s self-help groups from 45 districts of Madhya Pradesh.
- 45 artisans associated with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms).
The participating groups and artisans have brought products representing different regional traditions, crafts and production techniques.
Chanderi Sarees, Bagh Prints and Handloom Products on Display
Visitors can explore a range of traditional textiles, handicrafts and other locally made products at the fair.
Products highlighted at the exhibition include:
- Chanderi sarees from Madhya Pradesh.
- Bagh prints associated with Dhar district.
- Banarasi silk products.
- Leather goods.
- Handicrafts and handloom items.
The exhibition gives participating groups and artisans an opportunity to display and sell their work directly to visitors.
Regional Food Stalls Offer Specialities From Different States
Alongside handicrafts and handloom products, the fair features a food zone serving regional dishes from Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India.
According to Vinay Nigam, Chief Executive Officer of the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission, the food stalls and entertainment facilities are among the attractions planned for visitors.
Dishes available at the food stalls include:
- Sikkim: Millet momos.
- Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya-style chaat.
- Bihar: Litti-chokha.
- Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh: Garlic and millet chillas.
- Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Local chaat specialities.
- Madhya Pradesh: Soya-based dishes and dum aloo.
The food zone complements the product exhibition, allowing visitors to sample regional cuisine while exploring the stalls.
Cultural Performances and Activities for Children
Cultural programmes are scheduled to take place every evening during the fair. Games and recreational facilities have also been arranged for children.
These activities are intended to give visitors additional options alongside shopping and exploring the participating groups’ products.
Saras Mela Open to Public Until November 4
The 21st Regional Saras Mela will remain open to the public at Bhopal Haat until November 4, 2026.
The fair provides women’s self-help groups and artisans with a venue to exhibit and sell their products, while visitors can explore traditional crafts, textiles and regional food from different parts of the country.
