SARAS Aajeevika Food Festival 2026 to be inaugurated alongside; over 900 women entrepreneurs from 28 States to participate
Gurugram/New Delhi: Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the National SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026, along with the SARAS Aajeevika Food Festival 2026, at Leisure Valley Park Ground, Sector-29, Gurugram, Haryana, on February 13.
Ministers of State Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani (Rural Development & Communications) and Kamlesh Paswan will attend the inaugural ceremony as Guests of Honour. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Government of India, will also be present.
National Platform for Women-Led Rural Enterprises
Being organised from February 10 to 26, the national-level mela has brought together more than 900 women entrepreneurs from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across 28 States, with over 450 stalls showcasing handloom, handicrafts, textiles, bamboo and natural fibre products, and region-specific rural specialities from across India.
SARAS Aajeevika Food Festival: A Culinary Showcase
A major highlight of the event is the SARAS Aajeevika Food Festival 2026, featuring a large food court operated entirely by women entrepreneurs from different States. Visitors will be able to experience authentic regional cuisines from Rajasthan, Punjab, South India and eastern India, prepared using traditional methods and local spices.
Lakhpati Didi Pavilion and Skill Development
The mela also features a dedicated Lakhpati Didi Pavilion, showcasing inspiring success stories of women who have crossed annual incomes of ₹1 lakh under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). The pavilion reflects the growing scale and impact of women-led rural enterprises across the country.
Exhibitions, Workshops and Cultural Performances
The inauguration programme will include interactions with SHG entrepreneurs and a walkthrough of exhibition stalls. Other key attractions include:
- A Knowledge & Learning Pavilion with capacity-building workshops
- A Demo & Live Learning Area featuring live craft demonstrations
- A regional food court
- Daily cultural performances by folk artists from various States
Visitor Information
The National SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026 will remain open to the public daily from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM until February 26.
Entry is free for all visitors.
