Koraput's Subhadra Shakti Mela Generates Over Rs 2.5 Crore in Business, Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The week-long Subhadra Shakti Mela and Entrepreneurs Mela 2026, organized by the district administration, ORMAS, and the Mission Shakti department, concluded with an impressive business turnover exceeding Rs 2.5 crore. Held at the Dussehra Ground in Jeypore from March 8 to March 14, this vibrant event celebrated International Women's Day by providing a dynamic marketing platform for women self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs, and artisans to showcase and sell their products under the Swadeshi concept.
Strong Participation from Women-Led Enterprises
A total of 255 stalls were set up during the mela, with 166 of them operated by SHGs, underscoring the significant role of women-led enterprises in the Koraput district. According to Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan, the stalls displayed a diverse range of products, including handloom items, handicrafts, millet and non-timber forest produce products, readymade garments, and various food items. This extensive participation highlighted the growing strength and creativity of local women entrepreneurs.
Encouraging Sales and Overwhelming Visitor Response
The mela witnessed robust sales throughout the week, with the overall business crossing the Rs 2.5 crore mark. Collector Mahajan noted that the response from visitors was overwhelming, reflecting a rising demand for SHG products and traditional local items. He emphasized that such events play a crucial role in strengthening market linkages for women entrepreneurs and SHG members, offering them a direct platform to interact with customers and expand their market reach while promoting indigenous crafts, handlooms, and millet-based products.
Category-Wise Breakdown of Stalls
The mela featured a detailed categorization of stalls to showcase the variety of offerings:
- 25 handloom stalls
- 46 handicraft stalls
- 55 agriculture/millet/NTFP stalls
- 14 ready-made garment stalls
- 29 food stalls
- 40 entrepreneur stalls
- 36 stalls under other categories
This structured approach ensured a comprehensive representation of local products and talents.
Popularity of Food Stalls and Insurance Coverage
The food stalls, which primarily served millet-based dishes and traditional forgotten foods, attracted large crowds and played a key role in popularizing nutritious local cuisine, as highlighted by ORMAS CEO Uma Mahesh. Additionally, the entire mela was secured with an insurance protection of Rs 10 crore, covering risks such as natural calamities, burglary, and public liability. No untoward incidents were reported throughout the event, ensuring a safe and successful experience for all participants and visitors.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela has not only boosted economic activity but also reinforced the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs and preserving local traditions in Koraput.
