Bhubaneswar: The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025, currently underway at the Janata Maidan here, is captivating visitors with its vibrant showcase of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, and women-led entrepreneurship.
Featuring over 300 stalls, the mela provides a grand platform for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Producer Groups (PGs) to display their diverse range of products, including handlooms, handicrafts, organic produce, home essentials, processed foods, spices, and wellness products.
Among the many attractions, the food court has emerged as a major highlight, offering visitors an authentic taste of Odisha’s traditional cuisine, lovingly prepared by SHGs from across the state.
Day 3 of the mela saw exceptional highlights, particularly in the food court, where SHGs served up beloved Odia delicacies.
The Mayurbhanj Mudi Mansa, prepared by the Mayur Mudhi Producer Group, continued to be a crowd favorite, generating an impressive ₹38,200 in sales by the end of Day 2.
Another standout was the Macha Ambila, a traditional fish curry prepared by Diganta Pariba WSHG, which had already been served to over 700 visitors by the end of Day 2. These dishes not only delighted taste buds but also underscored the popularity of SHG-led food enterprises.
Adding to the excitement of the day was the visit of renowned Odia actress Anu Choudhury. She interacted with SHG members, praising their craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.
During her visit, Choudhury purchased a beautifully handwoven stole from the Utkal Grameen Producer Group in Kendrapara and exquisite tribal jewelry from Maa Banadurga SHG in Nabarangpur. Her endorsement of these products further highlighted the talent and dedication of Odisha’s women entrepreneurs.
Choudhury also encouraged visitors to support locally-made SHG products, emphasizing their quality and cultural significance.
The evening cultural performances added a mesmerizing touch to the event. The ‘Nrityanjali Traditional Kathak Institute’ enthralled the audience with a captivating Kathak dance performance, showcasing the elegance and tradition of classical Indian dance. This was followed by a spectacular melody night by singer Prabhupada Mohanty and his team, who kept the audience engaged with soulful music and high-energy performances. The cultural events have become a major draw, offering visitors a glimpse into Odisha’s artistic traditions.
The mela witnessed an overwhelming response on Day 3, with a footfall of over 17,000 visitors and a total sales turnover of ₹47 lakh recorded by the end of the day.
With each passing day, the enthusiasm among visitors and SHG members continues to grow, reinforcing the success of this unique initiative.
The 9-day event, which runs until 2nd March 2025, promises many more attractions, cultural events, and business opportunities, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Odisha’s heritage and women-led entrepreneurship.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 is more than just a fair; it is a celebration of Odisha’s cultural richness and the entrepreneurial spirit of its women.
By providing SHGs and PGs with a platform to showcase their products and skills, the mela is empowering women across the state while preserving and promoting Odisha’s traditional arts and crafts.
As the event progresses, it continues to inspire and delight visitors, setting a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at fostering women’s empowerment and cultural preservation.
