Patna: The Bihar Saras Mela at Gyan Bhawan in Patna is witnessing growing public interest, with more than 24,000 visitors arriving on the second day and total sales crossing approximately Rs 51 lakh in just two days.
Organised by JEEViKA under the Rural Development Department, Bihar, the fair is providing a platform for rural women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell handicrafts, food products and traditional items from across the country.
The current edition of the Bihar Saras Mela is being held at Gyan Bhawan until September 29, 2026.
Second-Day Sales Cross Rs 20.90 Lakh
On September 21, the second day of the fair, sales of products and food items crossed Rs 20.90 lakh.
The first day also recorded sales of around Rs 30 lakh, taking the combined figure for the first two days to nearly Rs 51 lakh, according to JEEViKA.
A large number of visitors continued to arrive on the third day, with shoppers exploring handicrafts, food products and other items displayed by participating women entrepreneurs.
Women Entrepreneurs from 15 States Showcase Products
The Saras Mela has brought together women entrepreneurs associated with self-help groups from 15 states, turning the event into a platform for the exchange of rural skills, culture and knowledge.
Among the products attracting visitors are Madhubani paintings, Sujani embroidery, Sikki crafts, terracotta, Bhagalpur silk, makhana, Govind Bhog rice, Katarni rice and chura, jaggery, rava, ragi, bajra and rice flour, millets, pickles, papad and herbal products.
Artificial flowers, jewellery, carpets, rugs, decorative items, khadi and woollen clothing, Ayurvedic plants and fruit and flower saplings are also among the attractions.
Traditional Food Court Draws Crowds
The food court has emerged as another major attraction at the fair.
Visitors are queuing up for traditional Bihar favourites such as litti-chokha, sev-buniya, chaat, golgappa, pickles and papad, along with traditional dishes from other participating states.
The combination of handicrafts, food and regional products has helped make the fair a destination for families and visitors of different age groups.
Buyer-Seller Meets Connect Rural Entrepreneurs With Markets
One of the key initiatives at the Bihar Saras Mela is the daily Buyer-Seller Meet, organised jointly by JEEViKA and Ernst & Young.
The programme is designed to directly connect rural producers with buyers and distributors, with discussions focusing on product quality, branding, packaging and sales.
The initiative aims to help rural producers develop sustainable market opportunities beyond the fair itself.
Major Buyers Show Interest in JEEViKA Products
Several buyers and distributors participated in the buyer-seller interaction held at Gyan Bhawan on Tuesday.
Participants included representatives from Breehati, Natural Bee Farm and Honey Hospitality, along with large distributors dealing in household products.
The buyers examined products, assessed their quality and interacted directly with the women entrepreneurs. Several buyers also expressed interest in products and food items made by JEEViKA beneficiaries.
Experts Highlight Quality, Branding and Packaging
JEEViKA District Project Manager Madhavi Chaudhary and Project Manager Alok Kumar Gopal shared their expertise during the interaction.
They advised entrepreneurs on improving product quality, developing attractive branding, maintaining standardisation and adapting products to modern market requirements.
The experts highlighted the importance of consistent quality and effective packaging in helping rural products enter larger retail outlets and e-commerce platforms.
Digital Payments Available at All Stalls
The fair is also providing digital payment facilities at all participating stalls.
Customer Service Centres have been set up to assist visitors with cash deposits and withdrawals, making transactions more convenient for shoppers and participating entrepreneurs.
Women entrepreneurs said the fair has helped them move beyond village-level markets and connect with customers in urban areas as well as larger buyers.
Saras Mela to Continue Till September 29
The Bihar Saras Mela will remain open to the public at Gyan Bhawan, Patna, until September 29, from 10 am to 8 pm every day.
The event is aimed not only at promoting rural products but also at creating stronger market linkages for women entrepreneurs associated with self-help groups.
With rising visitor numbers, increasing sales and direct interaction with buyers, the fair is providing participating women entrepreneurs with an opportunity to expand their market reach and strengthen their incomes.
