Guntur, January 15, 2026: The ongoing national SARAS Mela at Nallapadu Road near Reddy College in Guntur has turned Sankranti celebrations into a platform for women's economic growth.
Timed with the festival, the event features Bhogi bonfires, sugarcane decorations, colourful rangoli, gobbemmalu displays, and traditional performances like Kolatam dances.
SHGs from Andhra Pradesh and 12 other states operate 18 food stalls serving a diverse range of regional dishes, from Kashmir's Tabak Maaz and Lahabi Kebab to Andhra's Araku Coffee and Pootharekulu, alongside a popular 300-seat food court that draws families and youth.
Beyond cuisine, the mela offers training on government schemes such as PMEGP, Mudra Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi to build business skills, bookkeeping, and manufacturing approvals.
Success stories highlight impact: one Kerala participant scaled fruit juice sales to nearly ₹1.5 lakh monthly, while Andhra vendors report daily earnings up to ₹18,000.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the 13-day event (running until January 18) showcases products from over 300 women entrepreneurs across 21 states, providing national exposure and market access.
