Every year, Punjab comes alive with a festival that combines color, creativity, and culture—the Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025. This unique event is more than just a fair; it is a platform where rural women artisans showcase their skills, bring their handcrafted products to the spotlight, and connect with visitors from across the country. Set against the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) grounds in Ludhiana, the mela runs from 4th to 13th October 2025, promising ten days of vibrant experiences, learning, and celebration.
If you are passionate about handmade crafts from Punjab, supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs), enjoying traditional foods, or witnessing cultural performances, this mela is unmissable. Let’s explore the event, its highlights, and why it plays a crucial role in women empowerment, rural economy, and cultural preservation.
Understanding the Saras Aajeevika Mela
The Saras Aajeevika Mela is organized by the Ministry of Rural Development under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Its primary objective is to empower rural artisans, particularly women, by giving them a national platform to sell their products directly to urban buyers.
For many Self-Help Group (SHG) members, this event is a chance to earn recognition and income, expand their market, and turn traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods. The 2025 edition focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and supports the “Vocal for Local” initiative, highlighting the craftsmanship of rural India.
Event Details: Dates, Venue, and Timings
- Dates: 4th – 13th October 2025
- Venue: Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee: ₹20 (general admission)
- Online Tickets: Available on the official Ludhiana District Administration website
The PAU grounds are easily accessible from Ludhiana city and neighboring towns, making it convenient for visitors from Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Amritsar.
Empowering Rural Women Through SHGs
A key highlight of the Saras Aajeevika Mela Ludhiana 2025 is its focus on empowering rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups bring together women from villages across India, providing them with a platform to showcase their handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and organic food products. Every purchase made at the mela directly supports these women, enabling them to educate their children, improve household living standards, and reinvest in their small businesses.
The fair is more than just a marketplace—it is a space where women artisans gain recognition, confidence, and exposure to new markets. Many of these participants are part of the Lakhpati Didis initiative, which aims to transform rural women into successful entrepreneurs. By offering them national visibility, training, and marketing opportunities, the initiative demonstrates that even small-scale, handmade businesses can grow into thriving ventures with sustainable income.
Beyond financial empowerment, the mela nurtures a sense of pride and independence among women. Visitors who shop at the fair contribute not only to individual livelihoods but also to the broader rural economy, promoting social development and gender equality. In essence, the Saras Mela acts as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, celebrating their talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Discovering Handmade Crafts
The Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 in Ludhiana is a treasure trove for anyone who appreciates handmade crafts and traditional artistry. With over 200 stalls, the fair brings together rural artisans from across India, each showcasing their unique skills and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a wide range of products that not only highlight India’s diverse craftsmanship but also support Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurship.
Handloom sarees and textiles form one of the mela’s main attractions. These traditional weaves, sourced from different states, showcase intricate designs, patterns, and vibrant colors that tell stories of local communities. Terracotta and wooden artifacts provide functional yet artistic home décor options, reflecting age-old techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can also find handmade jewelry and accessories, often inspired by tribal traditions and crafted using indigenous methods.
The mela features organic food products, including pickles, spices, snacks, and health-conscious items, giving visitors a taste of India’s culinary diversity. Additionally, eco-friendly bags and home décor made from natural and locally sourced materials promote sustainability.
Every item at the Saras Mela carries a story of perseverance, creativity, and cultural identity. Beyond their beauty, these products connect visitors to India’s rural heritage, making each purchase a meaningful contribution to empowering women artisans and preserving traditional crafts.
Food Delights: Traditional Punjabi Cuisine and More
The Saras Mela 2025 Punjab is a paradise for food lovers. Over 25 live food stalls represent regional cuisines from 22 states, offering visitors a chance to taste India’s diversity.
Some highlights include:
- Rajasthan: Dal Baati Churma
- Punjab: Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti
- Maharashtra: Modak and sweets
Every dish is prepared by SHG women artisans, combining traditional flavors with entrepreneurship. Eating here is not just a culinary experience—it’s a way to support rural livelihoods.
Cultural Performances: Music and Dance
Evenings at the mela come alive with folk performances, music, and theatre. Visitors can enjoy:
- Bhangra & Giddha: Energetic dances from Punjab
- Kalbelia & Dandiya Raas: Folk performances from Rajasthan and Gujarat
- Live Music: By renowned artists like Gurdas Maan, Satinder Sartaaj, and Gippy Grewal
- Workshops: Painting, pottery, mehndi, and origami sessions for all ages
These performances celebrate India’s unity in diversity, creating a festive and immersive cultural environment.
Promoting Sustainable and Local Living
The mela encourages eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Most products are handmade using locally sourced, natural materials, reflecting techniques passed down through generations.
Visitors support environmentally conscious artisans, reduce dependence on industrial goods, and promote sustainable production. Every purchase helps preserve traditional crafts while fostering local economies.
Boosting the Rural Economy
By connecting rural artisans with urban buyers, the Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 ensures fair pricing and reduces dependence on middlemen. Many artisans also gain opportunities to reach national and international markets, boosting their income and promoting entrepreneurship.
The fair’s economic impact extends beyond individual artisans. It encourages community development, job creation, and self-reliance, making it a vital platform for rural growth.
How to Reach PAU Ludhiana
- By Train: Ludhiana Railway Station is the nearest major station; taxis or autos take you to the PAU grounds.
- By Car: Well-connected highways from Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Amritsar. Parking available on-site.
- By Bus: State-run and private buses connect Ludhiana city to PAU.
This ensures a smooth experience for visitors from nearby cities or states.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning (11 AM – 1 PM): Ideal for browsing stalls and interacting with artisans.
- Evening (6 PM – 9 PM): Perfect for enjoying cultural performances and lively food stalls.
- Weekdays: Less crowded, offering a relaxed experience.
- Weekends: High energy, with performances and festive atmosphere.
Visitors should wear comfortable footwear, carry reusable bags, and keep cash handy for small purchases.
Why You Should Visit Saras Mela Ludhiana 2025
The Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 Punjab, hosted at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, is not just a festival—it is a celebration of India’s rural spirit, creativity, and resilience. This 10-day event brings together hundreds of artisans from across the country, offering visitors an immersive experience of culture, craftsmanship, and community empowerment.
Every visit to the Saras Mela Ludhiana directly supports rural women entrepreneurs. Each purchase empowers them to educate their children, improve their living standards, and sustain their traditional crafts. Visitors can discover a wide range of handmade crafts, including textiles, jewelry, home décor, and eco-friendly products—all showcasing the beauty of India’s regional diversity.
Food lovers can savor authentic flavors from different states, from Punjab’s makki di roti and sarson da saag to Rajasthani dal baati and Assamese pitha. Evenings come alive with folk dances, music performances, and interactive workshops, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Beyond shopping and entertainment, the mela promotes sustainability, fair trade, and local production, making it a meaningful experience. Visiting Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 Ludhiana is not just about enjoying an event—it’s about being part of a movement that uplifts communities and celebrates the soul of rural India.
Stay Connected
- Facebook: Saras Aajeevika Mela
- Instagram: @esarasaajeevika
Visitors can check updates, event schedules, and artist highlights before planning their trip.
In conclusion,The Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 Punjab is a must-visit event for anyone interested in culture, crafts, cuisine, and women empowerment. From shopping for handwoven textiles to tasting regional delicacies and enjoying folk performances, this mela offers a complete cultural experience.
By visiting, you are not just witnessing rural artistry—you are supporting women entrepreneurs, promoting sustainability, and preserving India’s cultural heritage. Mark your calendar for 4th to 13th October 2025, head to PAU Ludhiana, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 Punjab.