Agartala: Chief Minister Manik Saha will inaugurate the two-week-long Saras Mela at the Hapania International Fair Ground in West Tripura on December 13, officials said on Monday.
Organised annually, the Saras Mela serves as a national platform for self-help groups (SHGs) from across India to showcase and sell their handmade products, ranging from textiles, handloom and handicrafts to organic food items, processed goods and eco-friendly household products.
“Saha will inaugurate the event in the presence of dignitaries,” the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) said in a statement.
This year’s edition is expected to be one of the largest held in the state, with 400 stalls being set up and participation from SHGs representing multiple states. Officials said the fair is likely to draw thousands of visitors daily, offering SHG members the opportunity to expand their market linkages and generate sustainable income.
A TRLM team headed by Chief Executive Officer Tarit Kanti Chakma has already inspected the venue to review preparations, including stall layout, crowd management, sanitation arrangements and promotional activities.
The Saras Mela not only facilitates direct trade between SHG producers and buyers but also highlights rural entrepreneurship, traditional craftsmanship and women-led economic growth. Cultural performances, food courts and live demonstrations of crafts are also planned to draw footfall and create an engaging experience for visitors.
According to TRLM, over 4.68 lakh households in Tripura are currently associated with 54,263 SHGs, and nearly 1.08 lakh women have already become Lakhpati Didis—a term used for women who have achieved an annual income of at least Rs 1 lakh through SHG-led livelihood activities.
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Officials said the event will also feature sessions on product branding, packaging and online marketing to help SHG members strengthen their livelihood prospects beyond the fair.
