The annual Sisir Saras Mela is set to grace Bhubaneswar from January 6 to 15, organized by ORMAS. Featuring approximately 400 stalls, the fair will showcase a diverse array of handicrafts, handloom, and spice products presented by women self-help groups, producer groups, and enterprises from 26 states. Poonam T Guha, the Director-cum-Chief Executive Officer of ORMAS, shared that the event will take place at Biju Patnaik Playground in Bermuda.

In addition to the stalls, a special food court comprising 20 stalls and a thematic stall illustrating ORMAS activities, including marketing, livelihood, and skill development, will be featured this year. The organizers plan to enhance the fair’s accessibility by providing battery-powered rides for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals, along with a designated kids zone.

Emphasizing environmental consciousness, efforts will be made to minimize the use of polythene during the fair. Sushil Kumar Lohani, Principal Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water department, also shared insights. In the previous year, Sisir Saras Mela was successfully organized in Bhubaneswar, accompanied by mini Pallishree melas in 30 districts, resulting in a total business turnover of ₹75 crore.