States » SouthPosted at: Oct 17 2026 9:52PM


AP: National SARAS Mela attracting huge crowds, Rs 2 Cr. worth products sold

Vijayawada, Oct 17 (UNI) The National SARAS Mela, being organised for the first time in Vijayawada under the aegis of the union Ministry of Rural Development, with the support of the Andhra Pradesh Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), is attracting an overwhelming response from the public, said National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) Additional Director Sudheer Kumar.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Sudheer Kumar said the primary objective of the mela was to provide a national-level marketing platform for products made by women members of self-help groups (SHGs) across the country and encourage women entrepreneurs.
Around 600 stalls have been set up at the mela featuring handloom products, handicrafts and natural food products. A special food court with 50 live food stalls has also been established to offer visitors traditional cuisines from different states.
Around 1,500 women entrepreneurs representing self-help groups from 32 states and union Territories are enthusiastically participating in the event and showcasing their products.
Special pavilions have been established at the exhibition grounds to ensure the convenience of visitors and participating artisans. A Convergence Pavilion has been set up to showcase various government schemes and create awareness among SHG members about the programmes implemented by different government departments.
The Lakhpati Didi Pavilion is another major attraction, highlighting the success stories, business skills and unique products of women entrepreneurs. The Demo Pavilion, where women demonstrate how they manufacture their products, is also drawing considerable interest from visitors.
SERP Administrative Director Kalyana Chakravarthy said 600 stalls had been allotted free of cost to women self-help groups and artisans. Free travel, food and accommodation facilities had also been provided to participating representatives and artisans from across the country.
The event is witnessing a daily footfall of approximately 40,000 to 50,000 visitors. He said 600 stalls had been allotted free of cost to women self-help groups and artisans. Products made by women SHGs are attracting buyers, and sales worth approximately Rs 2 crore have been recorded so far, Chakravarthy said.
National Institute of Rural Development Joint Director Khataaria and NTR District Project Director A.N.V. Nanchararao were present.
UNI DP CDS
Tags: #AP: National SARAS Mela attracting huge crowds# Rs 2 Cr. worth products sold
More News

Hyd: GHMC Steps Up Demolition Drive Against Unauthorised Constructions; 473 Structures Identified

17 Oct 2026 | 10:02 PM

Hyderabad, Oct 17 (UNI)The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has intensified its demolition drive against unauthorised constructions and buildings deviating from sanctioned plans, carrying out enforcement operations at three locations across the city on Friday.

see more..

Electric Fishing Boat Completes Successful Trial Run in Kakinada: MLA

17 Oct 2026 | 9:58 PM

Kakinada, Oct 17 (UNI) An electric-powered fishing boat successfully completed its trial run in the sea off Kakinada on Saturday in the presence of City MLA Vanamadi Kondababu, raising hopes of reducing fuel costs and improving the economic prospects of fishermen.

see more..

AP: National SARAS Mela attracting huge crowds, Rs 2 Cr worth products sold

17 Oct 2026 | 9:52 PM

Vijayawada, Oct 17 (UNI) The National SARAS Mela, being organised for the first time in Vijayawada under the aegis of the union Ministry of Rural Development, with the support of the Andhra Pradesh Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), is attracting an overwhelming response from the public, said National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) Additional Director Sudheer Kumar. .

see more..

Alai Balai Cultural Event to Be Held in Hyderabad on October 22

17 Oct 2026 | 9:44 PM

Hyderabad, October 17 (UNI) The annual Alai Balai cultural event, aimed at promoting Telangana’s cultural heritage and social harmony, will be held at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds here on October 22, Alai Balai Foundation Chairperson Bandaru Vijayalakshmi announced on Saturday.

see more..

Govardhana Giridhari Krishna Blesses Devotees on Majestic Pushpa Vimanam at Tirumala

17 Oct 2026 | 9:38 PM

Tirumala, Oct 17 (UNI) Sri Malayappa Swamy, adorned as Govardhana Giridhara Sri Krishna, along with Sridevi and Bhudevi dressed as Rukmini and Satyabhama respectively, blessed devotees during the majestic Pushpa Vimanam procession on the Mada Streets of Tirumala on Saturday evening as part of the sixth day of the ongoing Navaratri Brahmotsavams.

see more..