Discover the Vibrant Spirit of Women Entrepreneurs at the Subhadra Shakti Mela!

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurship in Bhubaneswar

On Saturday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida officially opened the second edition of the Subhadra Shakti Mela at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar.

This event is designed to uplift women entrepreneurs and showcase products from self-help groups (SHGs) throughout the state, uniting women artisans, business owners, and cooperatives to emphasize their vital role in Odisha's socio-economic development.

One of the highlights of the mela included 300 stalls operated by women SHGs, featuring 50 stalls dedicated to traditional food items. Additionally, 11 SHGs from other states contributed a variety of products, enriching the event's offerings. The opening ceremony was marked by lively cultural performances that captivated attendees and enhanced the festive ambiance.

The second day commenced with devotional and cultural acts, including a Sambalpuri dance and a musical drama titled Krishna Leela performed by the Ramanatya Parishad from Puri. This was followed by engaging performances from women SHGs and musical groups that delighted the crowd.

The stalls attracted significant foot traffic, indicating a rising public interest in handcrafted goods produced by women SHGs. Reports suggest that the first day alone saw business transactions surpassing ₹50 lakh.

Comprehensive security measures were implemented to ensure safety, alongside fire services, Red Cross support, medical assistance, drinking water, and sanitation facilities.

Exhibits included handmade products such as lakh bangles, rice handicrafts, Sabai grass crafts, and Pattachitra paintings, which impressed visitors. Attendees had the chance to observe live demonstrations of the crafting processes. Beauty and wellness stalls, supported by the World Skill Center (WSC), offered professional makeup, hairstyling, and nail care services for women.

Traditional weaving stalls provided live demonstrations of weaving techniques, captivating the audience. Visitors also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences at live demo stalls under expert supervision.

The Mission Shakti department encouraged the public to participate in this festival, which celebrates and promotes the entrepreneurial spirit and empowerment of women in Odisha.