Saras Mela Connects Rural Women Entrepreneurs from 15 States

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 21 September 2026

The Saras Mela 2026 in Bihar at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, commenced yesterday bringing together women entrepreneurs from Bihar and 14 other states. The ten-day event is scheduled between September 20-September 29 and displays an array of products manufactured by the rural self-help groups.

The fair brings women entrepreneurs offering a wide range of products and local specialties under one roof. This provides these rural women entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present their products to a wider audience with visitors learning about traditional and locally made goods available across various places in the country.

Key Highlights:

• Women entrepreneurs from 15 states showcase rural products at Saras Mela 2026 in Bihar
• Biharika logo unveiled to strengthen product branding
• Saras Mela connects women-led enterprises with wider markets and audiences

Some of the products displayed include handicrafts, handlooms, organic products, traditional food products, home-made goods and other products related to the rural economy. The fair thus offers these entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain more visibility and also connect with potential consumers through the display of their traditionally made goods.

One of the major highlights was the unveiling of the new ‘Biharika’ logo. The new logo will act as an identity for products which are being manufactured by women-owned rural businesses and self-help groups in Bihar for enhanced recognition opportunities. The idea focuses on marketing, product identification and positioning as rural women entrepreneurs aim to target markets beyond their local communities.

Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEVIKA)’s senior representatives were also part of the inauguration ceremony. Himanshu Sharma, JEEVIKA’s Chief Executive Officer, and Additional Chief Secretary H.R. Srinivas were some of the dignitaries present at the function.

Additionally, the branding effort will facilitate enhanced connection between rural producers and broader customer base. Through better identification and visibility of the local products, the initiative will open up more avenues for women entrepreneurs to market their products, gain new customers, and grow their business operations.

The Mela is indicative of the broader efforts by the state to enhance livelihood security for women and promoting entrepreneurship through the establishment of self-help groups. The Sustainable Livelihoods Programme and the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme were among the initiatives highlighted at the event. Such initiatives are focus on providing better employment avenues for women and ensuring proper channels of incomes. Self-help groups, entrepreneurship, and market linkages will assist women in skill development, enterprise growth, and market reach, thus leading to better economic prospects.

The Saras Mela connects rural producers to urban consumers giving the opportunity to women entrepreneurs to create more awareness and make meaningful networking channels. Participants can market their products and gain knowledge, enabling entrepreneurs to get feedback about product quality, packaging and its demand.

In addition to the above, the opening ceremony was also marked by tree plantation initiative raising the aspect of environmental sustainability along with rural livelihood development.