Women Empowerment on Display: Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Mela-2026 Opens with Great Fanfare
Budget for Heritage Melas Increased from ₹5 Crore to ₹70 Crore Under Mann Government: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema
Patiala, February 21
The Punjab Sakhi Shakti Craft Mela-2026 was inaugurated with great enthusiasm today at the iconic Sheesh Mahal in Patiala by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema. The fair, running until March 2, aims to provide a robust marketing platform for rural women’s self-help groups (SHGs), women entrepreneurs, and artisans from across the country, while showcasing Punjab’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Accompanied by Mayor Kundan Gogia, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, and ADC (Rural Development) Damanjit Singh Mann, the minister cut the ribbon to formally open the event. He was warmly welcomed with traditional folk dances, been music, and vibrant performances by local artists.
In his address, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the Bhagwant Singh Mann government’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment. He noted that previous governments had neglected Punjab’s rich heritage, culture, and grassroots entrepreneurship, but the current AAP-led government has dramatically increased the budget for such melas from ₹5 crore to ₹70 crore. “These events are a meaningful step toward truly making Punjab a ‘Rangla Punjab’ (colorful Punjab),” he said.
The minister emphasized that the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela serves as a powerful government-backed marketing platform for village-level women’s SHGs and entrepreneurs. These groups produce high-quality, organic, and traditional products but often struggle due to limited market access. To address this, the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission (under the Rural Development and Panchayats Department), in collaboration with the Industries and Commerce Department, organizes such fairs statewide.
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Cheema toured various stalls, applauding the artisans’ dedication, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit. He also inaugurated several special exhibitions at Sheesh Mahal, including:
- A rare display by the Archives Department featuring handwritten records of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Khalsa Darbar, letters by Maharaja Duleep Singh, and the 1858 Punjab Gazette—presented after nearly 20 years.
- An exhibition of traditional items created by students under Punjabi University’s Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Career Hub.
- The 14th edition of the Punjab Digital Library’s captivating display on Sikh history from 1710 to 1849.
He invited the public to visit and benefit from these exhibitions.
Speaking to the media, the minister outlined the Mann government’s resolve to eliminate drugs, corruption, and gangster culture while delivering good governance through initiatives like Aam Aadmi Clinics, Chief Minister Health Scheme, Schools of Eminence, anti-drug campaigns, and merit-based jobs. He reaffirmed the commitment to repairing and reopening closed heritage buildings.
Cheema specially welcomed artisans from across India, including a delegation from Thailand, and praised the Punjab government, district administration, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, and ADC Damanjit Singh Mann for their efforts in organizing the event. He extended a warm invitation to residents of Patiala and visitors to enjoy the mela fully.
On the first day, stalls saw brisk sales of handicrafts, with over 150+ stalls featuring products from Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and other states. Cultural performances by the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, enthralled audiences with folk dances and arts from various regions. Traditional entertainments like nachar, jogi been, behrupiye, kachi ghodi, and bajigar added unique charm.
Food lovers were drawn to delicious regional cuisines—Gujarati dishes, Haryanvi jalebi and mithai, Bombay food, Rajasthani and South Indian specialties, rajma-chawal, kadhi-chawal, biryani, and Chinese fare. Attractions for children included swings, rides, and toys, creating a lively family atmosphere.
The mela is expected to attract large crowds from Punjab and neighboring states until March 2, promising more cultural programs, sales, and entertainment.
Also present were SP Palwinder Singh Cheema, SDM Rajpura Naman Markan, SDM Samana Richa Goyal, Chief Minister Field Officer Satish Chandra, Reena Rani, Shaina Kapoor, NZCC Assistant Director Ravinder Sharma, Program Officer Bhupinder Singh Soffat, stage anchor Suman Batra, and other officials.
