Patna: Bihar Saras Mela 2026 began at Gyan Bhawan in Patna on Sunday, bringing together women entrepreneurs, artisans and members of self-help groups from more than 15 states. The 10-day event aims to give rural women a wider marketplace for their products while showcasing their skills, traditional crafts and food products.
The fair was inaugurated by Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, who described the Bihar Saras Mela 2026 as a celebration of the skill, hard work, confidence and self-reliance of rural women.
Saras Mela Connects Rural Skills With Bigger Markets
The minister said the fair provides an important platform for connecting the skills available in rural areas with markets.
Women entrepreneurs and self-help group members are showcasing handicrafts, traditional products and food items at the event. The participation of women from different parts of the country also gives local producers an opportunity to understand consumer preferences and reach buyers beyond their immediate communities.
According to the department, Saras Mela is organised twice a year. One edition is held at Gyan Bhawan for 10 days, while a larger fair is organised at Gandhi Maidan.
The objective is to provide women with sustained market opportunities rather than limiting sales to a few days. The Rural Development Department is also working on developing rural haats to create more permanent marketplaces for products made by self-help groups.
Read Also: Bihar Plans Revival of Closed Sugar Mills, 25 New Units to Boost Industry and Rural Employment
JEEViKA Expands Economic Opportunities for Rural Women
JEEViKA has emerged as an important part of Bihar’s rural livelihood ecosystem. According to Minister Shravan Kumar, more than 1.5 crore rural families are connected with the initiative.
Through self-help groups, women are encouraged to save money, access formal banking services and obtain credit to start or expand small businesses.
The minister cited examples of women using group-based loans to run grocery shops, take up livestock rearing, engage in agriculture-based activities and pursue tailoring and embroidery.
This shift is helping women move from dependence on others for small financial needs towards independent income-generating activities.
The growing presence of Lakhpati Didis is another example of women building stronger livelihoods through such initiatives.
Focus Shifts From Loans to Skills and Market Access
The government’s approach, the minister said, is not limited to providing financial assistance. Women also need knowledge, skills, technology, business guidance and access to markets to ensure that financial support develops into a sustainable source of income.
The participation of women entrepreneurs from more than 15 states at the Bihar Saras Mela 2026 reflects this wider focus on market exposure.
Last year, the 10-day fair at Gyan Bhawan generated business worth around ₹5 crore. The larger Saras Mela at Gandhi Maidan recorded business of more than ₹30 crore.
These figures, the minister said, represent more than sales. Behind the business generated at the fairs are the work, confidence and aspirations of thousands of rural families.
‘Didi Ki Rasoi’ Creates New Livelihood Opportunities
JEEViKA’s activities have also expanded beyond traditional handicrafts and household products.
Didi Ki Rasoi, which provides hygienic and affordable food, has established a presence in several government institutions, schools, hospitals and police training centres.
This has created another avenue for women associated with self-help groups to participate in organised economic activities.
JEEViKA women are also involved in preparing uniforms for residential schools for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, further expanding the range of livelihood opportunities available through the programme.
Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana Reaches 1.85 Crore Women
The government is also using the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana to support women in self-employment and livelihood activities.
According to the minister, more than 1.85 crore women have benefited from the scheme. The process of providing the second instalment to eligible beneficiaries has also begun.
The broader objective is to combine financial assistance with business planning, training, guidance and market linkages so that women can build sustainable livelihoods rather than rely only on one-time support.
Bihar Saras Mela 2026 Highlights Women-Led Rural Enterprise
The opening of Bihar Saras Mela 2026 brings together several aspects of Bihar’s rural livelihood strategy—self-help groups, women-led enterprises, skill development, market access and local production.
The event also provides buyers an opportunity to discover products made by rural women while giving producers a platform to build recognition outside their local markets.
The inauguration programme was attended by former Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Choudhary, MLC Ravindra Prasad Singh, Rural Development Department Additional Chief Secretary H.R. Srinivas, JEEViKA Chief Executive Officer Himanshu Sharma, Additional Chief Executive Officer Ananya Singh and other officials.
With rural women increasingly participating in small businesses, food services, agriculture, livestock activities and traditional crafts, initiatives such as the Saras Mela can play a role in turning local skills into more sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Read Also: Bihar Plans Revival of Closed Sugar Mills, 25 New Units to Boost Industry and Rural Employment
