Agartala, January 10: Responding to the enthusiastic participation of visitors, exhibitors, and stakeholders, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced the extension of the ongoing Swadeshi Mela till January 13. The fair, which began on January 9 and was originally scheduled to conclude on January 11, will now continue for two additional days.
Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder confirmed the decision during a press briefing held at Swami Vivekananda Maidan, the venue of the mela. He said the extension was necessitated by the vibrant turnout and active involvement of stall owners, government departments, women’s self-help groups (SHGs), and local entrepreneurs. “The response has exceeded our expectations. Seeing the enthusiasm of both participants and visitors, we felt it was important to give more time for people to engage with the fair,” Majumder stated.
The Swadeshi Mela 2026 was inaugurated on Friday by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who described the event as a celebration of self-reliance and indigenous strength rather than just a trade fair. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the mela reflects the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’ and aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. “Atmanirbhar Bharat is a mass movement. By supporting local products, citizens directly contribute to building a self-sufficient India by 2047,” he said.
The fair features a diverse range of indigenous products, including handicrafts, traditional items, and locally manufactured goods, with strong participation from government departments, SHGs, and grassroots organizations. It has emerged as a key platform for empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting local craftsmanship.
On Saturday, Mayor Majumder appealed to citizens to continue supporting the initiative, noting that such events not only boost the local economy but also preserve cultural heritage. With the extension, visitors will have more time to explore the stalls, interact with artisans, and embrace the ethos of self-reliance, as the mela continues to attract large crowds and widespread appreciation.
