Patna: The Bihar Saras Mela 2026 opened at Gyan Bhawan in Patna on Saturday, bringing together women entrepreneurs from Bihar and 14 other states to showcase handicrafts, handlooms, traditional foods, organic products and other goods produced through rural self-help groups.
The 10-day fair, being organised from September 20 to September 29, aims to provide women entrepreneurs with a larger platform to display and sell their products while connecting rural enterprises with urban consumers.
The event was inaugurated by Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar.
Women Entrepreneurs From 15 States Participate
The fair features participation from women entrepreneurs representing 15 states, giving visitors an opportunity to explore products from different parts of the country under one roof.
Products on display include handicrafts, handloom items, organic goods, traditional food products, home-made items and other products associated with rural livelihoods.
The fair also provides participating women with an opportunity to interact directly with customers and understand market preferences.
New ‘Biharika’ Logo Unveiled
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the unveiling of the new Biharika logo, which is intended to provide a distinct identity to products associated with Bihar’s women-led rural enterprises.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the branding and market visibility of products produced by women linked to self-help groups.
Officials said stronger branding could help local products reach consumers beyond their traditional markets and create additional opportunities for rural entrepreneurs.
Focus on Women’s Livelihoods and Rural Enterprise
The fair is linked to the state’s broader efforts to strengthen women’s livelihoods through self-help groups and entrepreneurship.
The Sustainable Livelihoods Programme and the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme were also highlighted during the event.
The initiatives focus on expanding livelihood opportunities and supporting women in developing sustainable sources of income.
Officials Highlight Role of JEEVIKA
Senior officials from the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEVIKA) also attended the inaugural programme.
JEEVIKA CEO Himanshu Sharma and Additional Chief Secretary H.R. Srinivas were among the officials present at the event.
The programme also saw the participation of former Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary, MLA Ravindra Prasad Singh, officials associated with JEEVIKA and women entrepreneurs participating in the fair.
Traditional Products Get a Wider Marketplace
The Saras Mela provides a direct marketplace for products created by women associated with rural self-help groups.
For participating entrepreneurs, the event offers an opportunity to promote their products, reach new customers and explore possibilities for expanding their businesses.
The presence of entrepreneurs from different states also allows visitors to experience a wider range of India’s traditional crafts, food products and rural enterprises.
Green Initiative Marked Opening Ceremony
The opening programme also included a tree-plantation activity, highlighting the importance of environmental sustainability alongside rural development and livelihood initiatives.
The fair will remain open at Gyan Bhawan through September 29, with visitors able to explore products from participating women entrepreneurs throughout the 10-day event.
A Platform Connecting Rural Products With Urban Markets
With women entrepreneurs from 15 states participating, the Bihar Saras Mela aims to bridge the gap between rural producers and urban consumers.
The event combines cultural products, traditional skills and entrepreneurship, while initiatives such as the Biharika branding effort seek to give women-led rural products a stronger identity in wider markets.
