Bihar's Mahila Udyami Phagunotsav 2026 Celebrates Women Entrepreneurs in Patna
Patna: The vibrant Mahila Udyami Phagunotsav 2026 was officially inaugurated on Thursday at Gyan Bhawan in Patna, marking a significant celebration of women's entrepreneurship in Bihar. The event, organized by the Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh, was inaugurated by Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal and Food and Consumer Protection Minister Leshi Singh, who highlighted the festival's role in empowering women across the state.
Extensive Exhibition of Traditional and Modern Products
Running from February 19 to 23, the festival features an impressive 225 stalls showcasing a diverse range of products from Bihar and several other states. The exhibition includes:
- Traditional silk and handloom textiles
- Exquisite jewellery and local food items like sattu and pickles
- Cultural artifacts including Mithila paintings, Tikuli art, and Sikki craft
- Modern innovations such as 3D-printed items and robotics demonstrations
This blend of heritage and innovation creates a unique marketplace that appeals to both traditionalists and modern consumers.
Government Support and Entrepreneurial Growth
Addressing the gathering, Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal described the festival as a celebration of women's hard work, confidence, and self-reliance. He emphasized that women in Bihar are increasingly establishing themselves in technology, production, and service sectors. Jaiswal noted that both the central and state governments are implementing several schemes specifically designed to support women's entrepreneurial growth and development.
Food and Consumer Protection Minister Leshi Singh revealed that the number of women entrepreneurs in Bihar has now crossed 9 lakh, reflecting a significant societal shift as women move beyond domestic spheres to excel in diverse professional fields. She praised the Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh for its long-standing commitment to identifying and promoting local talent, noting that the organization has been instrumental in creating opportunities for women across the state.
Inclusive Participation and Sustainable Innovations
Usha Jha, President of the Bihar Mahila Udyog Sangh, emphasized the festival's commitment to inclusivity by revealing that 20% of the stalls were provided free of cost to women from economically weaker backgrounds. This initiative ensures that women from all socioeconomic levels can participate and showcase their products.
Among the notable exhibitors is Priya Ranjan from a Patna-based brand that employs 15 people to create sustainable, handcrafted apparel. Her Holi-and summer-themed collection features white and floral hand-painted designs on chanderi, cotton, and georgette fabrics, with prices ranging from Rs 2,200 to Rs 22,000.
Visitor Ananya Singh expressed her admiration for the exhibition, stating, "The variety here is incredible, especially the sustainable fashion options that blend modern cuts with traditional painting techniques."
Unique Participants and Product Diversity
The festival also features unique participants like Sujit Chakraborty, who has returned to Patna after 20 years to showcase apparel such as sarees and kaftans created by converting paintings into digital formats. This innovative approach bridges traditional art with contemporary fashion.
In the food section, Sangita Gupta from Rohtas offers high-protein oyster mushrooms priced at Rs 240 per kilogram, along with mushroom pickles and traditional delicacies including paneer balushai, chena ka khurma, and teesi ka laddu.
Nearby, Kavita Bharadwaj sells herbal-based puja products, including akhand deep and terracotta dhoop dani. She also offers herbal gulaal made from arrowroot in vibrant colors, priced at Rs 25 per 50 grams, providing eco-friendly alternatives for traditional celebrations.
Market Access and Networking Opportunities
The fair aims to provide direct market access to women entrepreneurs and facilitate networking with various government and non-government agencies. This comprehensive approach helps women scale their enterprises by connecting them with potential buyers, investors, and support organizations. The festival serves as both a marketplace and a platform for business development, creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Several other dignitaries were present at the inauguration ceremony, underscoring the importance of this event in Bihar's economic and social landscape. The Mahila Udyami Phagunotsav 2026 represents a significant milestone in recognizing and promoting women's contributions to Bihar's economy while preserving cultural heritage through innovative entrepreneurship.
