Bhubaneswar: Sisir Saras embodies the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, playing a pivotal role in granting national recognition to Odisha’s GI-tagged and indigenous products, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Gokulananda Mallick said while inaugurating the annual mega fair at Idco Exhibition Ground in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
“Sisir Saras is not just a fair but a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s rural self-reliance, indigenous identity, and cultural heritage. The fair amplifies the ‘Vocal for Local’ motto by playing a crucial role in giving national recognition to GI-tagged and indigenous products such as Sambalpuri and Subarnapur handlooms, Koraput’s Kalajeera rice and Sundargarh’s millet products,” he noted.
The nine-day event, organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, is providing a platform to artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and producers from across Odisha and 20 other states to showcase and sell handicrafts, handlooms, and indigenous products.
The fair features 340 sales stalls, including 35 dedicated food stalls, creating a lively ‘Mini India Bazaar’ atmosphere. It will remain open for public till January 18, from 10 am to 10 pm daily, offering visitors a blend of commerce, culture, and community spirit.
The inaugural evening saw large crowds flocking to the food zone and creatively designed selfie point, which emerged as major attractions. Cultural programmes are scheduled daily, with a special ‘Human Sagar Night’ featuring Bollywood singer Divya Kumar and Ollywood performers as a tribute to the late singer Human Sagar.
ORMAS officials said the fair is expected to generate business worth around Rs 30 crore this year. Adequate arrangements for sanitation, drinking water, lighting, and security have been made to ensure a clean, plastic-free environment.
