Bhubaneswar: The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 concluded at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar marking a phenomenal celebration of women entrepreneurship and empowerment.
The nine-day Fair provided a unique platform for more than 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from all 30 districts of Odisha to showcase their diverse products, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening women-led businesses.
The concluding day of the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 on Sunday was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who led the celebrations and recognized the outstanding achievements of Mission Shakti SHG entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy CM said that the women-centric event, featuring Mission Shakti SHGs from across the state, made a business of Rs five crore.
Parida further stated that the fair attracted around seven lakh visitors and successfully created 400 ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (women earning Rs 1 lakh or more). The Mela, which began on February 22, featured 300 stalls and saw the participation of 700 Self-Help Group (SHG) women, she said.
During the event’s closing ceremony, Pravati Parida honoured women entrepreneurs of the SHGs who performed exceptionally well in business. “Out of the 620 potential lakhapti didis, around 400 achieved the target in these nine days and more women will clinch this milestone as similar fairs are underway at several parts of the state currently,” she said.
Similar Subhadra Shakti Mela featuring women SHGs were also underway in Puri, Balangir, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, and Sambalpur, largely encouraging women to take up entrepreneurship and achieve financial independence, in line with the broader goal of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission of the Union Government.
Prominent actresses Pinky Pradhan and Anu Choudhury addressed the gathering, commending the resilience and talent of SHG women.
Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted the government’s commitment to financial empowerment and self-reliance for women.
A major highlight of the evening was the felicitation of top-performing SHGs/PGs and participating agencies, celebrating their contributions to women’s entrepreneurship. Nine categories of awards were presented, with a total of 25 SHGs and PGs receiving recognition for their excellence.
Winners were honoured with cash prizes of Rs 30,000 for 1st place, Rs 25,000 for 2nd place and Rs 20,000 for 3rd place, along with certificates and trophies.
