Bhubaneswar: ‘Sisir Saras-2026’, organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Government of Odisha, will be held at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar from January 10 to January 18, 2026.
The annual fair aims to provide direct marketing platforms for rural producers, artisans, and women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Artisans and producers from Odisha, as well as from nearly 20 other states across the country, will participate, presenting a vibrant display of handicrafts, handloom products, and rural enterprises. This year, the fair will be organised in collaboration with Mission Shakti.
The venue will be transformed into a “Mini India Market” featuring 340 sales stalls and 35 food stalls. The fair will prominently showcase Odisha’s rich handicraft and handloom heritage, including handloom textiles from Bargarh, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Subarnapur; lac products from Balasore; paper-mâché from Keonjhar; woodcraft from Kandhamal and Kalahandi; golden grass crafts from Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur; terracotta from Balangir; lemongrass and black rice from Koraput; and millet-based products from Sundargarh.
Handicrafts and handloom products from other states will also be on display, including Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, Kosa silk from Chhattisgarh, Tussar silk from Jharkhand, Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh, woollen garments from Jammu & Kashmir, Phulkari from Punjab, block prints from Madhya Pradesh, and artificial jewellery from Karnataka.
Six workshops and training programs will be organised during the fair, involving around 850 members of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and SHGs. These sessions will focus on value addition, enterprise development, branding, enhancing product shelf life, and improving the market competitiveness of locally made products.
Cultural programs will be a major highlight of Sisir Saras-2026. There will be performances by renowned artists and a special musical night in memory of the popular Odia singer Humane Sagar. Kite and drone shows, as well as fashion shows, will further add to the fair’s festive atmosphere.
The fair will pay special attention to maintaining a clean, plastic-free environment. Adequate lighting, security, and drinking water facilities will be provided. The mega event is expected to generate approximately Rs 30 crore in revenue.
Minister of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Rural Development, Rabi Narayan Naik, described the event as a perfect opportunity to be “Vocal for Local” and take a strong step toward an Atmanirbhar Odisha. He extended his best wishes to the organisers and called upon all participants to make the event a resounding success.
