Tripura’s Saras Mela begins December 13 at Hapania ground with 400 stalls, including 335 SHG stalls. TRLM CEO reviews preparations. Event will showcase handmade products, while a grand Food Saras Fair with 1,000 SHGs is planned for January 2026.
Agartala is preparing to host one of its most anticipated annual cultural and entrepreneurial festivals—the Saras Mela, scheduled to begin on December 13 at the Hapania mela ground. As the state gets ready to welcome thousands of visitors, officials of the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) have intensified their monitoring of the arrangements. On Saturday, TRLM Chief Executive Officer Tarit Kanti Chakma personally inspected the venue and reviewed the progress of stall construction and other essential preparations.
According to official sources, this year’s Saras Mela is expected to be larger than previous editions in both scale and participation. In total, 400 stalls will be set up across the sprawling mela ground. Out of these, 335 stalls have been reserved exclusively for Self-Help Group (SHG) members, commonly known as SHG didis, representing various districts of Tripura as well as several other states of India. Their presence is expected to significantly enhance the diversity of products available for the public.
The Saras Mela has grown to become a crucial platform for SHGs, enabling them to display and sell products made through traditional craftsmanship, rural entrepreneurship, and innovative livelihood initiatives. Every year, artisans from all eight districts of Tripura bring handmade items such as bamboo craft, handloom textiles, organic packaged food, herbal cosmetics, pottery, and various household utility products. The Mela attracts a strong footfall from residents of Agartala and neighbouring areas, giving SHG entrepreneurs vital exposure to customers.
In addition to the SHG stalls, the event will also feature 65 stalls reserved for various line departments, including Police, Medical, and Press wings. These departments typically use the opportunity to conduct awareness campaigns, showcase services, and communicate with the public regarding welfare schemes and citizen support systems. Their active participation ensures the Saras Mela serves not just as a commercial platform, but also as a community-oriented engagement space.
This year, the Mission aims to offer a more organised and visitor-friendly experience. During his inspection, CEO Tarit Kanti Chakma examined multiple sections of the venue including pathways, stall alignment, sanitation arrangements, and the layout for emergency services. He instructed officials to ensure that the venue remains accessible, safe, and comfortable for all visitors throughout the fair.
Authorities are also focusing on lighting, security, drinking water facilities, and crowd management plans. With a large number of visitors expected daily, the administration intends to deploy adequate police personnel, install CCTV monitoring, and arrange medical support teams on standby.
Beyond the December event, TRLM has planned an even bigger attraction in the coming year. Officials confirmed that Tripura will host its first-ever Food Saras Fair in January 2026. This dedicated food festival will bring together 1,000 SHGs from across India, each focusing exclusively on food products. From traditional snacks and organic food items to regional culinary specialties, the Food Saras Fair is expected to significantly boost women-led food enterprises while drawing major tourism interest.
The announcement of this upcoming food fair has been welcomed by SHG members, many of whom see it as a rare opportunity to expand their market reach. The initiative aligns with TRLM’s mission of empowering rural women, strengthening livelihood platforms, and connecting SHGs to national-level marketing opportunities.
The Saras Mela has, over the years, earned a reputation for reviving traditional arts and crafts while encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. It has become a celebratory space where culture, craftsmanship, and rural enterprise converge. Visitors often express appreciation for the authenticity and creativity reflected in the products crafted by SHG groups.
As Tripura prepares for the 2024 edition of Saras Mela, expectations are high that the festival will once again highlight the strength of women-led rural industries. With significant participation, diverse offerings, and improved arrangements under TRLM’s guidance, the upcoming mela promises to be a vibrant cultural and economic celebration for the state.
