Vijayawada, October 14: President of India Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to undertake a two-day visit to Andhra Pradesh on October 14 and 15, with engagements including prayers at the Sri Kanaka Durga Temple and participation in the National Saras Mela 2026 in Vijayawada.
According to Akashvani News, the President will visit the famous Sri Kanaka Durga Temple on Wednesday evening to offer prayers. On Thursday, she will inaugurate the National Saras Mela, an event organised jointly by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and the Andhra Pradesh government. <escape>Source</escape>
National Saras Mela to Showcase Rural Products
The National Saras Mela will provide a platform for rural women entrepreneurs, artisans and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase their products and traditional skills.
More than 1,500 women from SHGs representing over 30 States and Union Territories are participating in the event. The exhibition will feature rural products, traditional handicrafts and regional food items, highlighting India’s diverse cultural heritage and the entrepreneurial capabilities of rural communities.
The initiative aims to strengthen market opportunities for women-led enterprises and encourage wider recognition of locally produced goods.
Focus on Women’s Empowerment and Rural Livelihoods
The Saras Mela is associated with efforts to promote rural livelihoods by connecting Self-Help Groups with consumers and providing opportunities to display and market their products.
Such platforms help rural women entrepreneurs expand their reach, improve the visibility of traditional products and explore opportunities for sustainable income generation.
The participation of women from different parts of the country is also expected to showcase the diversity of India’s handicrafts, food traditions and locally developed products.
Two-Day Visit to Andhra Pradesh
President Murmu’s visit on October 14 and 15 includes engagements in Vijayawada, with the temple visit scheduled for the first day and the National Saras Mela programme on the second.
The President’s participation in the event underlines the importance of rural development, women’s entrepreneurship and community-led livelihood initiatives.
The programme is expected to bring together rural producers from across the country, offering visitors an opportunity to explore traditional crafts, regional specialities and products created by Self-Help Group members.
The visit forms part of the President’s official engagements in Andhra Pradesh and places a spotlight on initiatives aimed at supporting rural communities and strengthening women’s economic participation.