Patna: The annual Bihar Saras Mela will open at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan on December 12, bringing together women entrepreneurs, artisans and food producers from across the country. Running until December 28, this year’s fair is themed “Bihar adorned by skilled hands”. Himanshu Sharma, chief executive of Jeevika, reviewed preparations at the venue on Wednesday.
The event is expected to be inaugurated by the state rural development minister, Shrawon Kumar, with department secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh attending as guest of honour.
More than 500 stalls will be set up by women-led self-help groups from 25 states, showcasing handicrafts, folk art and regional delicacies. Stalls have also been allotted to Bihar’s Women and Child Development Corporation, industry bodies, municipal corporations, banks and financial institutions.
A dedicated food zone will feature “Didi Ki Rasoi”, offering locally prepared nutritious dishes, while Jeevika-operated customer service centres will provide basic banking services such as deposits and withdrawals.
The fair will also highlight products from Shilpgram and Madhugram—craft and honey clusters run by Jeevika women. Daily seminars, folk music and dance performances, and street plays addressing social issues will be held throughout the event. Help and health desks will be available on site for visitors.
