The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 is in full swing at Janata Maidan, and it’s turning heads with a lively celebration of Odisha’s culture, craftsmanship, and women-led businesses.
Over 300 stalls, managed by local Self-Help and Producer Groups, offer an impressive range of products—from handlooms and handicrafts to organic foods, spices, wellness items, and everyday home essentials. Each stall highlights the talent and hard work of Odisha’s women entrepreneurs.
One of the event’s biggest hits is the food court. Visitors are treated to a true taste of Odisha with traditional dishes lovingly prepared by SHGs. On Day 3, the food offerings stole the show. The Mayurbhanj Mudi Mansa, a local delicacy made by the Mayur Mudhi Producer Group, was a crowd favorite, raking in ₹38,200 by the end of Day 2. Similarly, the Macha Ambila—a traditional fish curry from Diganta Pariba WSHG—has already delighted over 700 visitors.
The mela also enjoyed a special boost from renowned Odia actress Anu Choudhury, who visited to interact with the entrepreneurs. She praised the SHG members’ creativity and determination, even purchasing a beautifully handwoven stole from the Utkal Grameen Producer Group in Kendrapara and some exquisite tribal jewelry from Maa Banadurga SHG in Nabarangpur. Her support is a strong reminder of the quality and cultural importance of locally made products.
As the sun set, the fair transformed into a vibrant cultural showcase. The ‘Nrityanjali Traditional Kathak Institute’ captivated the audience with a graceful Kathak dance performance, while singer Prabhupada Mohanty and his team filled the night with soulful, energetic music—making it an evening to remember.
Day 3 alone saw more than 17,000 visitors and generated a sales turnover of ₹47 lakh, underlining the mela’s growing popularity. Running for nine days until March 2, 2025, the event promises even more attractions, cultural performances, and business opportunities.
In essence, the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 isn’t just a fair—it’s a heartfelt celebration of Odisha’s rich heritage and the empowering spirit of its women. It offers a unique platform where traditional arts and crafts are showcased, and local entrepreneurship thrives, inviting everyone to take part in this inspiring cultural fest.