Argus News - Bhubaneswar To Host ‘Sisir Saras–2026’  Fair From January 10

Bhubaneswar, Jan 6: The capital city in Odisha is set to host the mega rural fair Sisir Saras–2026 from January 10 to 18 at the IDCO Exhibition Ground, officials said on Tuesday.

Organised by ORMAS under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the event will bring together artisans, rural producers, and women’s Self-Help Groups from across Odisha and nearly 20 other states, they added.

The annual fair is designed to provide direct marketing platforms for rural entrepreneurs, showcasing handicrafts, handloom products, and locally made goods. This year’s edition will feature 340 sales stalls and 35 food stalls, transforming the venue into a “Mini India Market.”

Odisha’s rich craft traditions will be prominently displayed, including handloom textiles from Bargarh, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Subarnapur; lac products from Balasore; paper mache from Keonjhar; woodcraft from Kandhamal and Kalahandi; golden grass crafts from Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur; terracotta from Balangir; and millet-based products from Sundargarh. Koraput’s black rice and lemongrass will also be highlights.

Products from other states will add diversity to the fair, with Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, Kosa silk from Chhattisgarh, Tussar silk from Jharkhand, Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh, woollen garments from Jammu and Kashmir, Phulkari from Punjab, block prints from Madhya Pradesh, and artificial jewellery from Karnataka.

Six workshops and training programmes will be conducted during the fair, involving around 850 members of Community-Based Organisations and SHGs. These sessions will focus on enterprise development, branding, value addition, and improving market competitiveness.

Cultural programmes will form a major attraction, with performances by renowned artists and a special musical night dedicated to Odia singer Humane Sagar. Kite and drone shows, along with fashion shows, will add to the festive atmosphere.

The organisers have emphasised sustainability, with measures to keep the venue clean and plastic-free. Adequate lighting, security, and drinking water facilities will be provided. The fair is expected to generate cumulative sales of around Rs30 crore.

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik described the event as an opportunity to be “Vocal for Local” and a step towards Atmanirbhar Odisha, urging participants to make it a success.