Patna, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Bihar Sarso Mela 2026 was inaugurated on September 20 at Gyaan Bhawan in Patna, aimed at providing market access to rural women entrepreneurs and promoting rural entrepreneurship. Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar cut the ribbon to officially open the event, which will run until September 29.
The fair features women entrepreneurs and artisans from self-help groups across 15 states, including Bihar. Following the inauguration, Minister Kumar inspected various booths and interacted with the women entrepreneurs. He appreciated the quality of handmade products, handicrafts, handlooms, decorative items, organic goods, and traditional cuisines showcased at the fair.
During the event, Minister Kumar also unveiled a new logo for ‘Biharika,’ a collective brand for Bihar’s women entrepreneurs. This initiative aims to give a new identity to the products made by Livelihood Sisters and expand their reach in the market.
In his address, Kumar emphasized that the core objective of the Livelihood program is to organize poor families and strengthen their livelihoods. He reiterated the Bihar government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, highlighting initiatives like the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Employment Scheme, which aim to enhance women’s economic and social status.
Kumar encouraged the public to visit the Sarso Mela in large numbers, observe the products made by rural women entrepreneurs, and support their efforts through purchases. The formal inauguration was marked by the national anthem and song, with Livelihood Sisters welcoming guests with green saplings.
Himanshu Sharma, CEO of the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Committee (Jeevika), stated that the Bihar Sarso Mela provides a significant platform for showcasing the hard work, skills, and entrepreneurship of rural women. He noted that the event is not just a venue for selling products but also a celebration of women’s confidence, self-reliance, and empowerment. This year, hundreds of women entrepreneurs from 15 states brought their unique crafts, flavors, traditions, and cultures to the fair.
HR Srinivasan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Development Department, remarked that the Sarso Mela serves as a crucial bridge between rural development and market access. Through Jeevika, rural products are being connected to urban and national markets, leading to increased income for women entrepreneurs.
The event was attended by notable figures, including former Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary and MLA Ravindra Prasad Singh, along with various Jeevika officials, women entrepreneurs from different states, and a large number of esteemed guests.
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