Bhubaneswar: The IDCO Exhibition Ground came alive with colour, craftsmanship and commerce on Saturday evening with the formal inauguration of Sisir Saras–2026, a mega rural exhibition-cum-market organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) under the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department.
The event was inaugurated by Minister for Fisheries & Animal Resources Development and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Gokula Nanda Mallik, who described Sisir Saras as a powerful platform for strengthening rural self-reliance. Addressing artisans, Self-Help Group members and visitors, the Minister said the fair goes beyond being a marketplace and serves as a bridge between rural producers and urban consumers, enabling women-led SHGs and traditional artisans to gain direct market access and sustainable livelihoods.
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Mallik said Sisir Saras reflects grassroots empowerment and supports economic independence for skilled rural producers by ensuring fair returns for their products.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das lauded ORMAS for its sustained efforts to preserve and promote Odisha’s cultural heritage. She said the fair revitalises traditional crafts by providing artisans with a national platform, thereby generating long-term employment opportunities.
MLA Shri Ananta Narayan Jena, who was also present, underlined the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the rural economy and creating inclusive growth opportunities.
CEO, ORMAS, Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, delivered the welcome address, while Additional CEO Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Singh proposed the vote of thanks.
This year’s Sisir Saras has been conceptualised as a vibrant “Mini India Market”, bringing together artisans and producers from all 30 districts of Odisha and 20 other states. The exhibition features 340 sales stalls, along with numerous food counters offering a diverse culinary experience.
Visitors can explore a wide range of indigenous and GI-tagged products, including handloom textiles from Sambalpur and Subarnapur, Kalajeera rice from Koraput, and millet-based products from Sundargarh, reinforcing the spirit of “Vocal for Local.” An estimated business turnover of ₹30 crore has been targeted during the fair.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, Sisir Saras–2026 will host daily cultural evenings featuring performances by Bollywood singer Divya Kumar and several renowned artists. A special tribute programme will also be organised in memory of late Odia singer Humane Sagar.
The fair includes dedicated selfie points, a game zone and a dynamic food court, making it a complete family-friendly destination. Special emphasis has been laid on maintaining a clean, plastic-free and well-managed environment, with approach roads adorned with traditional Jhoti art. Adequate drinking water facilities, proper lighting and strong security arrangements have been ensured.
The Sisir Saras–2026 fair will remain open to the public daily from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM till January 18, 2026.
