The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 successfully concluded at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, celebrating women entrepreneurship and empowerment on a grand scale. The nine-day event served as a crucial platform for over 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from all 30 districts of Odisha to showcase and sell their diverse range of products, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses.
The fair recorded a staggering Rs 5 crore in business transactions and successfully created 400 ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women entrepreneurs earning Rs 1 lakh or more during the mela. Around 700 SHG women participated, setting up 300 stalls featuring various indigenous and handcrafted products. The mela attracted approximately 7 lakh visitors, showcasing a rising consumer interest in SHG products and local entrepreneurship. Similar Subhadra Shakti Melas are currently being held in Puri, Balangir, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, and Sambalpur, encouraging financial independence among women in alignment with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission.
The concluding ceremony was graced by Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida, who led the celebrations and acknowledged the outstanding performance of Mission Shakti SHG entrepreneurs. During her speech, she expressed pride in the mela’s achievements, stating that out of 620 potential ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ approximately 400 women achieved the milestone in just nine days. She also emphasized that with ongoing fairs across the state, more women are expected to cross the Rs 1 lakh mark, further strengthening the women’s entrepreneurship movement in Odisha. Parida highlighted that the fair is a symbol of the government’s commitment to women’s financial empowerment and self-reliance. She lauded the efforts of Mission Shakti SHGs, which have been at the forefront of enabling economic growth for women in rural and urban Odisha.
The event witnessed participation from notable figures, including actresses Pinky Pradhan and Anu Choudhury, who addressed the gathering and praised the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of SHG women. Additionally, Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reiterated the government’s strong commitment to financial empowerment, highlighting initiatives that support women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and achieving financial independence.
One of the major highlights of the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 was the felicitation of top-performing SHGs/PGs and participating agencies, recognizing their significant contributions to women’s entrepreneurship. Nine award categories were presented to outstanding SHGs and PGs, with a total of 25 SHGs and PGs recognized for their excellence in entrepreneurship. Cash prizes were awarded as follows: Rs 30,000 for 1st place, Rs 25,000 for 2nd place, and Rs 20,000 for 3rd place. Winners also received certificates and trophies, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 has set a new benchmark in women’s entrepreneurship and financial independence in Odisha. By facilitating massive business opportunities, creating thousands of successful women entrepreneurs, and attracting a record number of visitors, the event has played a crucial role in boosting women-led businesses and self-reliance.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 successfully concluded at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, celebrating women entrepreneurship and empowerment on a grand scale. The nine-day event served as a crucial platform for over 300 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from all 30 districts of Odisha to showcase and sell their diverse range of products, reinforcing the government’s commitment to supporting women-led businesses.
The fair recorded a staggering Rs 5 crore in business transactions and successfully created 400 ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women entrepreneurs earning Rs 1 lakh or more during the mela. Around 700 SHG women participated, setting up 300 stalls featuring various indigenous and handcrafted products. The mela attracted approximately 7 lakh visitors, showcasing a rising consumer interest in SHG products and local entrepreneurship. Similar Subhadra Shakti Melas are currently being held in Puri, Balangir, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, and Sambalpur, encouraging financial independence among women in alignment with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ mission.
The concluding ceremony was graced by Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida, who led the celebrations and acknowledged the outstanding performance of Mission Shakti SHG entrepreneurs. During her speech, she expressed pride in the mela’s achievements, stating that out of 620 potential ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ approximately 400 women achieved the milestone in just nine days. She also emphasized that with ongoing fairs across the state, more women are expected to cross the Rs 1 lakh mark, further strengthening the women’s entrepreneurship movement in Odisha. Parida highlighted that the fair is a symbol of the government’s commitment to women’s financial empowerment and self-reliance. She lauded the efforts of Mission Shakti SHGs, which have been at the forefront of enabling economic growth for women in rural and urban Odisha.
The event witnessed participation from notable figures, including actresses Pinky Pradhan and Anu Choudhury, who addressed the gathering and praised the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of SHG women. Additionally, Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reiterated the government’s strong commitment to financial empowerment, highlighting initiatives that support women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses and achieving financial independence.
One of the major highlights of the Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 was the felicitation of top-performing SHGs/PGs and participating agencies, recognizing their significant contributions to women’s entrepreneurship. Nine award categories were presented to outstanding SHGs and PGs, with a total of 25 SHGs and PGs recognized for their excellence in entrepreneurship. Cash prizes were awarded as follows: Rs 30,000 for 1st place, Rs 25,000 for 2nd place, and Rs 20,000 for 3rd place. Winners also received certificates and trophies, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.
The Subhadra Shakti Mela 2025 has set a new benchmark in women’s entrepreneurship and financial independence in Odisha. By facilitating massive business opportunities, creating thousands of successful women entrepreneurs, and attracting a record number of visitors, the event has played a crucial role in boosting women-led businesses and self-reliance.
