Dimapur: The six-day SARAS Mela 2026, billed as ‘The Biggest Rural Fair’, opened at Nagaland’s Dimapur District Sports Complex Stadium on Thursday.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs), rural entrepreneurs and artisans from across Nagaland and four guest states, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka, are showcasing indigenous products, promoting entrepreneurship and supporting rural livelihoods.
The mela will remain open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. It features skill-development workshops, entrepreneurship sessions, financial inclusion activities and interactive programmes designed to equip SHG members and rural entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, improve their business skills and strengthen market linkages.
Organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), the fair was inaugurated by Thavaseelan K, Commissioner and Secretary of Rural Development.
The initiative aims to familiarise rural entrepreneurs and SHG members with available financial services and help them access opportunities to improve their economic activities.
The fair also features a buyer-seller meet to facilitate interactions between producers and potential buyers, promote business networking and strengthen market linkages.
Apart from exhibitions and workshops, the mela offers several attractions for visitors, including digital art and live caricature sessions by Wandering Minds from November 11 to 18.
Other attractions include the SARAS song dedication booth, an instant photo booth, a SARAS photo booth and a food festival.
The food festival offers visitors an opportunity to explore ethnic Naga cuisine alongside popular fast-food options. A children’s play zone and carnival games provide recreational activities for families.
Four automobile companies, Maruti Suzuki, Isuzu, Hyundai and Mahindra, are showcasing their latest models and offerings, giving visitors an opportunity to explore their vehicles.
Through its exhibitions, workshops, financial inclusion initiatives and business networking opportunities, SARAS Mela 2026 seeks to help rural women and SHG members promote their products, connect with buyers and expand their market reach.