**Executive Summary**
The SARAS-2026 Exhibition, a national-level event focused on showcasing the craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit of Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs), will be held in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The exhibition will be inaugurated on January 8th, 2026, and run until January 18th, 2026. The event aims to empower women through sustainable livelihoods by providing a platform for SHGs to display and sell their products, understand market standards, and learn marketing strategies.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Exhibition Details:**
* SARAS-2026 Exhibition will be inaugurated on January 8th, 2026, at 4:00 PM.
* The exhibition will be held in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, and lasts for 13 days (until January 18th).
* Organized by Guntur Zilla Samakhya, DRDA, and SERP.
* The venue is at the Open Ground opposite Reddy College, Adarsha Nagar, Narasaraopet Road, Guntur.
* **Purpose and Scope:**
* The event brings together around 300 women artisans and entrepreneurs from 21 States and Union Territories.
* Aims to empower women SHG members through sustainable livelihoods.
* Offers national-level exposure and market access to SHGs.
* Showcases India's cultural and craft diversity, including handicrafts, handlooms, and textiles.
* Facilitates understanding of National and Global standards, new product avenues, and modern marketing strategies.
* **Event Features:**
* All-India SHG Food Court offering regional delicacies.
* Cultural and entertainment programs, including Inter-State, State-Level and District-Level performances.
* Structured capacity-building and training sessions for SHG members by expert resource persons.
* Lakhapati Didi Pavilion showcasing the success stories of women entrepreneurs.
* **Logistics and Security:**
* Free accommodation, food, and transportation are provided for participating SHG members throughout the event.
* The venue will be under 24×7 surveillance with over 100 CCTV cameras and round-the-clock security personnel.
* Entry is free for all visitors.
**Impact Analysis**
**Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs)**
* **Impact:**
* Opportunity to showcase and sell products on a national platform.
* Access to training and capacity-building sessions.
* Potential for economic empowerment through sustainable livelihoods.
* Exposure to national and global market standards and marketing strategies.
* **Action Required:**
* Participate in the exhibition and related training sessions.
* Prepare products for display and sale.
* Utilize the platform to network and expand their businesses.
**Visitors**
* **Impact:**
* Opportunity to experience India's cultural diversity and culinary richness.
* Access to a wide range of handmade products and delicacies.
* Exposure to the entrepreneurial spirit of women SHGs.
* **Action Required:**
* Attend the exhibition and support local artisans and entrepreneurs.
**Guntur and Andhra Pradesh Region**
* **Impact:**
* Significant milestone in bringing a flagship National rural livelihoods initiative to the district.
* Showcase of rich cultural heritage.
* **Action Required:**
* Coordination and support in the implementation of the event.
Key Entities Referenced
SARAS-2026 Exhibition: National-level exhibition focusing on Self-Help Groups and rural artisans.
Ministry of Rural Development: Central ministry associated with the SARAS-2026 initiative.
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh: Location where the SARAS-2026 exhibition will be held.
Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Target audience and participants of the SARAS-2026 exhibition.
DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas): Program that provides a platform for rural women of Andhra Pradesh.
Ministry of Rural Development
SARAS–2026 Exhibition to be inaugurated on 8th
January 2026 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh
This is a unique opportunity for local Self-Help Groups to
understand National and Global standards, new product
avenues and modern marketing strategies: Dr. Pemmasani
Chandra Sekhar
Mela serves as a vital platform for DWCRA (Development of
Women and Children in Rural Areas) women of Andhra
Pradesh: Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar
SARAS–2026 will bring together around 300 women artisans
and entrepreneurs from 21 States and Union Territories
प्रव तथ: 06 JAN 2026 4:39PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani,
while briefing the media about SARAS Mela 2026, said that Guntur will host the prestigious national-
level SARAS Mela from 6th January to 18th January 2026, marking a significant milestone for the region.
He added that the event will bring together Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across all States of
India to showcase their craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.Highlighting the importance of the event, Dr. Pemmasani stated that the Mela serves as a vital platform
for DWCRA (Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas) women of Andhra Pradesh. He
said this is a unique opportunity for local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to understand national and global
standards, explore new product possibilities, and learn modern marketing strategies to scale their
businesses.
The prestigious The 13-day National-level SARAS-2026 exhibition will be inaugurated at 4:00 PM on
8th January 2026 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in the
presence of the Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr.
Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar.
This is the first time an event of this scale is being hosted in Guntur, marking a significant milestone in
bringing a flagship National rural livelihoods initiative to the district. The 13-day Mela will showcase
India’s rich cultural heritage and diverse artisanal products, while promoting rural artisans and SHGs by
providing them a platform to display and sell their products.
SARAS Mela are a flagship initiative aimed at the economic empowerment of women SHG members
through sustainable livelihoods. As a National SARAS event, SARAS–2026 will bring together around
300 women artisans and entrepreneurs from 21 States and Union Territories, offering them national-
level exposure and market access.The Mela will showcase India’s rich cultural and craft diversity through a wide range of authentic
handmade products, including bamboo crafts; handlooms and textiles such as Pochampally and
Gadwal weaves; traditional jewellery; handicrafts; home décor items; jute and other eco-friendly
products. Visitors will also be able to experience India’s culinary richness at a dedicated All-India
SHG Food Court, offering regional delicacies such as Rayalaseema cuisine, Madugula Halwa,
Bheemili Thandra, and Atreyapuram Pootharekulu.
Cultural and entertainment programmes will be organised every evening, with special attractions for
children. The event will feature Inter-State, State-Level and District-Level cultural performances.
In addition, structured capacity-building and training sessions for SHG members will be conducted on
key livelihood themes by expert resource persons. A dedicated Lakhapati Didi Pavilion will showcase
the success stories of women entrepreneurs, highlighting district-wise participation and a wide range
of diverse livelihood activities.
Comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the event. The
venue will be under 24×7 surveillance with over 100 CCTV cameras, supported by round-the-clock security
personnel deployed in three shifts. Participating SHG members will be provided free accommodation, food, and
transportation throughout the event period.
SARAS–2026 is being organised by the Guntur Zilla Samakhya, in coordination with the District
Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP). The
event will be held at the Open Ground opposite Reddy College, Adarsha Nagar, Narasaraopet Road,
Guntur, and entry will be free for all visitors.
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