Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to witness a grand celebration of women’s entrepreneurship with the inaugural edition of Subhadra Shakti Mela, scheduled to take place at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, from 22nd February to 2nd March 2025. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida at a press conference held at Mission Shakti Bhawan.
The nine-day exhibition will showcase the entrepreneurial skills of women from across the state, bringing together over 300 stalls by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Producer Groups (PGs). The mela will feature a diverse range of handcrafted goods, textiles, home essentials, organic food products, health and wellness items, millet-based delicacies, and more, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the creativity and craftsmanship of Odisha’s women entrepreneurs.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will inaugurate the Subhadra Shakti Mela, with Deputy Chief Ministers Pravati Parida and Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo attending as chief guests. Senior officials from the Odisha Government will also participate in the event.
Speaking about the initiative, Parida emphasized that the mela is more than just an exhibition; it is a platform for empowering women financially and socially, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to promote financial independence among women.
To ensure broader participation and outreach, four regional melas will be organized simultaneously in Puri, Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Bolangir, allowing more SHG members to showcase their products beyond their districts.
Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 reflects the Odisha Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. Under the leadership of CM Mohan Charan Majhi, the state has made significant strides in strengthening SHG-led entrepreneurship, market access, and capacity building.
The event aims to connect rural women entrepreneurs with buyers, businesses, and market leaders, providing them with networking opportunities that can drive their financial growth and long-term sustainability.