Punjab Women Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage at Mohali Mela

Women selling homemade pickles, organic beauty products, and traditional crafts now have something they've desperately needed: a spotlight big enough to launch their businesses into new markets.

The Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela opened Wednesday in Mohali, transforming a fairground into a bustling marketplace where nearly 90% of stalls are run by women from rural self-help groups. The event runs through February 10, giving entrepreneurs a full week to connect with customers and buyers.

"Women self-help groups produce high-quality, organic and traditional products, but often lack access to large markets," said Punjab Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond at the opening ceremony. "This mela bridges that gap."

The numbers tell a powerful story about government commitment. The state boosted the event budget from 5 crore rupees (around $600,000) to 70 crore rupees (roughly $8.4 million), a fourteen-fold increase that shows how seriously Punjab is taking rural women's economic potential.

The fair isn't just about selling goods. Organizers announced a renewable energy innovation competition specifically for women entrepreneurs, offering support up to 25 lakh rupees (about $30,000) to help them develop sustainable business solutions.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia praised the participants during his speech. "These women are writing inspiring success stories, balancing families and businesses, and strengthening self-help groups economically," he said.

The Ripple Effect

When rural women gain economic independence, entire communities benefit. The self-help groups represented at this fair don't just support individual families. They create employment networks, preserve traditional crafts, and keep money circulating in rural areas that often struggle with migration to cities.

The government backing gives these businesses credibility they couldn't easily build alone. Having state support means better access to loans, training programs, and connections to larger retailers who might stock their products year-round.

The mela also honored women achievers and connected entrepreneurs with each other, building networks that will outlast the week-long event. These connections often lead to supply chain partnerships, shared resources, and mentorship relationships that help newer businesses learn from established ones.

Punjab is betting that investing in women-led enterprises will strengthen rural economies while preserving the traditional products and skills that make the region culturally rich. With thousands of women stepping up to run their own stalls and pitch their products, that bet looks increasingly smart.