Bhubaneswar: The Odisha capital is all set to host Sisir Saras-2026, a mega rural products fair promising a vibrant showcase of handicrafts, handlooms, and local specialties from across India, from January 10 to 18 at Idco Exhibition Ground here.
Addressing a presser after a preparatory meeting on Tuesday, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik described the fair as an ideal platform to promote “Vocal for Local” that advances the vision of an Atmanirbhar Odisha.
Dubbed a “Mini India Market,” the fair will feature 340 sales stalls and 35 food stalls, bringing together artisans, rural producers, and women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Odisha’s 30 districts and participants from over 20 other states. Organizers have set an ambitious cumulative sales target of Rs 30 crore, highlighting the event’s focus on empowering rural entrepreneurs through direct market access.
It is being organised by ORMAS under Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department in collaboration with Mission Shakti this year.
The fair will prominently showcase Odisha’s rich handicraft and handloom heritage, including handloom textiles from Bargarh, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Subarnapur; lac products from Balasore; paper mache from Keonjhar; woodcraft from Kandhamal and Kalahandi; golden grass crafts from Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur; terracotta from Balangir; lemongrass and black rice from Koraput; and millet-based products from Sundargarh. Visitors can also explore specialised items from across the country, such as Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, Kosa and Tussar silk from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh, woolen garments from Jammu & Kashmir, Phulkari from Punjab, block prints from Madhya Pradesh, and artificial jewellery from Karnataka, an official release said.
Beyond shopping, the fair will offer six workshops and training sessions for around 850 SHG and community-based organisation members, covering topics like value addition, branding, enterprise development, product shelf life extension, and market competitiveness.
Entertainment will be a key draw, with cultural performances by renowned artists, kite and drone shows, fashion shows, and a special musical night in memory of the late popular Odia singer Humane Sagar, the release added.
