Bhubaneswar: The 12-day Subhadra Shakti Mela, a vibrant celebration of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, concluded at the IDCO Exhibition Ground with record-breaking success. The fair, organised by the Mission Shakti Department, saw total sales surpassing ₹12 crore—double last year’s business—marking a milestone in the journey of Odisha’s women-led enterprises.
Bringing together self-help groups (SHGs) from all 30 districts, the Mela featured more than 300 stalls showcasing an array of products ranging from handlooms, handicrafts, bamboo crafts, and forest produce to traditional foods, spices, and eco-friendly innovations. The event provided a robust marketplace and a unique networking opportunity for women entrepreneurs.
A major attraction of the fair was the food court managed by women groups, which offered homemade delicacies and millet-based dishes that drew massive crowds. The fair not only revived traditional Odia cuisine but also promoted the use of nutritious millets in everyday diets.
To enhance visitor experience, organizers included a children’s play area, recreational zones, and evening cultural performances, culminating in a fashion show featuring Odisha’s handwoven textiles and traditional jewelry.
This year, 69 SHGs participated in a state-level fair for the first time. Among the participants, 328 women achieved ‘Lakhpati Didi’ status, while 10 became ‘Mahalakhpati Didis’, showcasing the growing economic strength of women entrepreneurs.
At the closing ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida lauded the women’s entrepreneurial achievements, calling the Mela a powerful platform to advance the “Local to Global” campaign. She highlighted that this year’s record business reflects the expanding market for SHG products.
Ministers Prithviraj Harichandan (Law, Works & Excise) and Gokulananda Mallik (Fisheries & Animal Resources Development) also attended, reiterating the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and enhanced market linkages.
Mission Shakti Director Monika Priyadarshini welcomed the guests, while Joint Secretary Mamata Barik proposed the vote of thanks.
A special highlight of the evening was the felicitation ceremony, where outstanding SHGs and producer groups were honoured for their excellence.
The 69 first-time participants received certificates and cash prizes of ₹10,000 each. In addition, 30 groups were recognized across 10 categories, including Best Food Stall, Best Handloom Stall, Best Innovative Product Stall, and Best Display Stall. Maa Mangala Chitrakar from Puri received the Best Stall Award and a cash prize of ₹50,000 from the Deputy Chief Minister.
With over five lakh visitors in attendance, the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 stood out as a grand showcase of the skill, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of Odisha’s women. The state government aims to build on this success to help more women entrepreneurs access larger markets and establish independent livelihoods.
