Saras Mela Shut for a Day Due to Cyclone Arnab
Women entrepreneurs record ₹10.54 crore sales; fair to reopen on Oct. 29
The National Saras Mela at Punnami Ghat will remain closed on Wednesday as a precaution against severe cyclonic storm Arnab. The exhibition has recorded cumulative sales of ₹10.54 crore, with over 4.81 lakh products sold by women entrepreneurs and artisans.
Organisers announced the temporary closure on Tuesday following an alert from the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, which forecast the cyclone crossing the coast near Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by Wednesday morning.
Winds of 125–135 kmph and heavy rainfall were forecast in coastal districts. The SERP CEO and NTR district collector decided to suspend public access to ensure the safety of visitors, self-help group members, artisans and staff.
The fair is scheduled to reopen on October 29 and continue until October 31, subject to weather conditions.
As of October 26, sales stood at ₹10.54 crore. On Monday, 29,240 products worth ₹89.60 lakh were sold, attracting over 48,000 visitors.
The exhibition promotes traditional crafts, handlooms, regional food and rural women-led enterprises. Sessions also focused on market access, inclusive livelihoods and income opportunities in animal husbandry.