National 'Namma Saras Mela 2026' to Showcase Women's SHG Products in Mangaluru
A major national-level exhibition and sale fair titled 'Namma Saras Mela-2026' is set to take place from February 20 to 28 at the Karavali grounds in Mangaluru. This event is dedicated to promoting products crafted by women's self-help groups (SHGs) from across India, offering a vibrant platform for economic empowerment and cultural exchange.
Collaborative Effort and Participation
The mela is being organized through a collaborative effort involving the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Livelihood, the Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Mission (KSRLM), the Dakshina Kannada district administration, the zilla panchayat, and the Mangaluru City Corporation. According to zilla panchayat CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari, women from SHGs representing 15 different states and all districts of Karnataka will participate, bringing their region's key products to the forefront.
Scope and Impact of SHGs
Karbhari highlighted the significant reach of SHGs under KSRLM, noting that 3.1 lakh SHGs have organized 32 lakh families in rural and urban areas, with an additional 39,000 SHGs organizing 3.9 lakh families specifically in urban regions. To market these products, various events such as village fairs, monthly taluk-level fairs, and district exhibitions are regularly held, with Namma Saras Mela being a flagship initiative.
Fair Highlights and Attractions
The fair will feature 120 stalls displaying and selling a diverse array of products, including:
- Channapatna wooden toys and Koppal's Kinhal toys
- Molakalmuru and Ilkal silk saris, along with various attractive garments
- Jute bags, spices, millets, and value-added coastal products
- Khadi and banana-fibre products, home décor items, and ayurvedic products
- Traditional household items and innovative jewelry designs
All items will be available at affordable prices, making them accessible to a wide audience.
Food Fair and Cultural Programs
A separate food fair will host 30 live food courts from Karnataka and other states, with an 'Akka Cafe' as an additional attraction. This food court will showcase famous dishes such as:
- North Karnataka specialties like girmit/churumuri mandakki, jolada khadak rotti, and holige
- Belagavi kunda, Dharwad peda, Mysore pak, neer dosa, khaara bath, and kadabu
- Non-vegetarian options including prawns fry, roti-chicken sukka, and ragi mudde-chicken curry biryani
- Fresh juices and snacks from various states
Cultural evenings will be organized daily from 6.30 pm, featuring diverse programs in collaboration with the Kannada and Cultural Department. Additionally, training sessions and lectures supporting women's entrepreneurial activities will be held from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm each day.
Inauguration and Accessibility
The inaugural ceremony will be graced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Public entry to the fair is free of charge, and it will be open daily from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm, ensuring ample opportunity for visitors to explore and support women-led initiatives.
