20.10.2026

Vijayawada 

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, is organising the First National SARAS Mela 2026 at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, bringing together Self-Help Group (SHG) artisans and women entrepreneurs from across the country. With 630 stalls showcasing products from 35 States and Union Territories, the Mela provides a national platform for promoting rural livelihoods, traditional crafts, local products and women-led enterprises.

As part of the celebrations, a series of state-wise cultural programmes will be held from 21 to 30  October 2026, commencing at 6:30 PM each day at the SARAS Mela venue, Punnami Ghat,  Vijayawada. The programmes will feature traditional folk dances, music, devotional performances, classical dance and theatre, offering visitors an opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural heritage at a single venue.

The cultural programme will feature performances representing Andhra Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Goa, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Maharashtra and Meghalaya, alongside renowned local artists and cultural organisations from Andhra Pradesh.

The programme schedule is as follows:

21 October; Devotional songs (Bhakti Geethalu) and Kuchipudi dance by Natya Tarangini Dance Academy – Andhra Pradesh

22 October: Traditional songs and dances of Ladakh; Gatram by K. Madhusudana Rao; Savara art of Seethampeta by Prabhavathi – Andhra Pradesh

23 October: Giddha and Bhangra – Punjab; Kuchipudi dance by Kalaratna Bhagavathula Sowmya – Andhra Pradesh

24 October: Fugdi dance – Goa; Bhakti Gana Lahari – Andhra Pradesh

25 October: Dhemsa and Sambalpuri dances – Odisha; Srinivasa Kalyanam theatrical presentation by Abhinaya Art, Vijayawada

26 October: Shri Ram Madded Baja – Chhattisgarh; Rajasthani folk dance and Kathputli (puppetry) – Rajasthan; singing performance by Busura Educational Society – Andhra Pradesh

27 October: Kai Silambattam and Thudumbattam – Tamil Nadu

28 October: Ajeai Hoi VLO – Nagaland; Kuchipudi dance by Sri Nrutya Arts Academy – Andhra Pradesh

29 October: Gavlan folk performance – Maharashtra; Kuchipudi dance by Kalakshetra Dance Academy – Andhra Pradesh

30 October: Ka Chad Pliang (Plate Dance) – Meghalaya; Kuchipudi dance by Kalakshetra Dance Academy – Andhra Pradesh

The cultural programmes are designed to celebrate the country’s artistic traditions, folk heritage and regional diversity while providing a platform for artists to showcase their talent before a wider audience. The performances will complement the Mela’s exhibition and sales activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere that brings together culture, commerce and community participation.

Visitors can explore an extensive range of products made by SHG women from different parts of India during the day and enjoy captivating cultural performances in the evening.

***

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2326094) आगंतुक पटल : 6