The Subhadra Shakti Mela, a vibrant celebration of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, is set to kick off from November 1 to 12, 2025, at the IDCO Exhibition Ground in Unit-3, Bhubaneswar.
Organised by the Mission Shakti Department, the event aims to honour the remarkable capabilities, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of women from rural villages to urban centres.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida announced the details during a press conference at the Mission Shakti Bhawan. She emphasised that women today are making their mark in every field. This mela serves as a platform to showcase their unparalleled strength. “From villages to cities, women are demonstrating their potential, creativity, and entrepreneurship,” Parida stated.
Over 300 women’s self-help groups (SHGs) from all districts of Odisha will participate. They will display and sell a wide array of products. The mela will also feature 50 food stalls offering millet-based healthy foods alongside traditional Odia delicacies. Adding a national flavour, SHGs from 11 other states—Punjab, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa—have been invited to exhibit their finest products.
The event goes beyond mere buying and selling; it symbolises women’s self-confidence, success, and social empowerment. Visitors can explore diverse handlooms, handicrafts, food items, and non-timber forest products. Shoppers will find an exquisite collection of clothing, grains, home decor, and household items. This provides women entrepreneurs with a golden opportunity to reach a broader market, attract new customers, and unlock new possibilities.
Spanning 12 days, the mela promises an immersive experience of Odisha’s culture, women’s power, and traditional flavours. Evening cultural programs will include captivating performances such as Odissi dance, Chhau, folk dramas, Mallakhamb, Gotipua, Ranapa, Sambalpuri dance, Puri’s twin conch dance, Bihu, musical evenings, and Pala. For the first time, a fashion show featuring handlooms and costumes crafted by SHGs will be held. This adds a modern twist to traditional artistry.
Through this platform, SHG women will connect their products to larger markets, boosting income and fostering self-reliance. It will help them achieve a distinct identity and realise the dream of becoming “Lakhpati Didi” (millionaire sisters). The initiative aligns with the visions of “Vikasit Odisha 2036” and “Vikasit Bharat 2047.” It strengthens efforts toward a developed Odisha and India.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela will be open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM. Parida extended an invitation to families to visit and support this unique convergence of creativity, handicrafts, and culture.
Present at the press conference were Department Secretary Girish S.N., Director Dr Monika Priyadarshini, and other departmental officials.
