Dimapur: The six-day SARAS Mela 2026 opened at the Dimapur District Sports Complex Stadium on Thursday, showcasing indigenous products made by self-help groups (SHGs), rural entrepreneurs and artisans from Nagaland and four guest states of Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka.The mela, billed as ‘The Biggest Rural Fair’, has been organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM). The fair was inaugurated by rural development commissioner and secretary Thavaseelan K.The mela will remain open from 11am to 9pm and feature skill-development workshops, entrepreneurship sessions, financial inclusion activities and buyer-seller meetings to help SHG members and rural entrepreneurs improve their businesses and expand market linkages.The buyer-seller meet will facilitate interaction between producers and potential buyers and promote business networking.Apart from the exhibitions and workshops, the mela features a range of attractions for visitors, including digital art and live caricature by Wandering Minds from Nov 11 to 18.The fair also features a food festival showcasing Naga cuisine, digital art, live caricature, photo booths, a children’s play zone and carnival games.The initiative aims to help rural women and SHG members promote their products, access financial services, connect with buyers and expand their market reach.
