Bhubaneswar: The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025, a nine-day celebration of women’s entrepreneurship, concluded today at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, achieving a record-breaking business turnover of ₹5 crore. The event, which provided a marketplace for over 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from all 30 districts, drew an overwhelming footfall of more than 9 lakh visitors, showcasing the economic power of women-led businesses in Odisha.
The mela featured a diverse range of products, from handwoven textiles and intricate handicrafts to organic food, spices, and eco-friendly innovations. The Food Court emerged as a major crowd-puller, with visitors enjoying millet-based delicacies and regional cuisines, contributing significantly to the total sales.
Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who led the closing ceremony, commended the historic success of the event, stating that the ₹5 crore business turnover reflects the growing financial independence of SHG women in Odisha.
A key highlight was the felicitation of top-performing SHGs and Producer Groups (PGs). A total of 25 SHGs/PGs were recognized across nine categories, with cash prizes of ₹30,000 for first place, ₹25,000 for second place, and ₹20,000 for third place. Notably, Maa Vaishnodevi PG from M. Rampur, Kalahandi, which showcased handloom products and recorded sales of approximately ₹6 lakh, received a special cash prize of ₹50,000.
Over 700 SHG members from 312 blocks actively participated in the event, including 100 women from tribal districts, 170 from aspirational districts, and 90 from KBK districts. 88 SHGs/PGs exhibited at a state-level event for the first time, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.
The mela also saw the rise of 600 potential Lakhpati Didis, while 350 SHG women officially became ‘Lakhpati Didis’ during the event, setting a new benchmark for women-led enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Parida emphasized that the mela has strengthened market linkages, enabled women entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses, and created a foundation for sustainable economic growth. She reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding such initiatives at district and block levels, ensuring greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
With its unprecedented sales, massive participation, and inspiring success stories, Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 has not only set records but also created a roadmap for women-led economic empowerment in Odisha.
