Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela Starts in Amritsar: Entry, Timings

Amritsar has kicked off an exciting weekend celebration as the district administration officially inaugurated the three-day Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Organized at the spacious Dussehra Ground in Ranjit Avenue under the aegis of the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission, the vibrant cultural and commercial fair is specifically designed to foster female entrepreneurship, promote self-reliance, and provide women artisans with direct access to local markets. Running daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM through September 28, the carnival blends grassroots commerce with lively entertainment, headlined on opening night by celebrated Sufi and folk singer Kanwar Grewal, followed by an artistic showcase by the acclaimed Mander Brothers on the concluding day.Empowering Women Artisans: Direct Marketplace for Handcrafted Goods and Self-Help GroupsThe primary mission of the fair is bridging the gap between skilled female creators and regional consumers:Platform for Self-Help Groups: Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Pallavi Mishra highlighted that the exhibition features an extensive variety of handmade handicrafts, traditional handlooms, embroidered apparel, festive home decor, and authentic homemade culinary delicacies crafted by local self-help groups and emerging female entrepreneurs.Eliminating Intermediaries: By offering dedicated stall spaces, the fair eliminates predatory middlemen, enabling rural women producers to establish direct commercial links with buyers, receive immediate consumer feedback, and secure sustained retail orders.Awareness on Government Welfare Schemes: The event doubles as an informational pavilion where visiting women and aspiring entrepreneurs can learn about government-backed microfinance schemes, subsidized self-employment loans, skill development programs, packaging standards, branding essentials, and financial literacy resources.Family Entertainment: Food Courts, Cultural Galas, and Children's RidesDesigned as an all-inclusive family weekend destination, the event grounds host diverse recreational activities alongside commercial shopping:Star-Studded Stage Shows: Beyond opening-night musical performances by Kanwar Grewal and closing exhibits by the Mander Brothers, talented students from local schools and colleges are presenting regional folk dances, musical compositions, and street plays throughout the weekend.Kids' Fun Zone and Street Food Delights: The venue is equipped with various amusement swings, mechanical joyrides, and interactive gaming stalls for children, complemented by diverse food kiosks offering authentic Punjabi snacks, beverages, and traditional festive delicacies.Community Appeal: ADC Pallavi Mishra urged residents from across the holy city and adjoining districts to visit the Dussehra Ground with their families to experience the cultural atmosphere while showing practical solidarity with homegrown women-led enterprises.Visitor Logistics: Operational Hours, Entry Ticket Prices, and Parking RatesThe organizing committee has implemented a structured ticketing and vehicular management plan to ensure smooth crowd movement throughout the three-day carnival:Event Dates and Operating Hours: The mela runs from Saturday, September 26, to Monday, September 28, 2026, welcoming visitors continuously between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily.Fair Entry Ticket: General admission tickets to enter the Dussehra Ground fair premises are fixed at a nominal rate of ₹30 per person.Designated Parking Charges: According to the District Program Manager of the Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission, authorized parking facilities have been established with fixed fees of ₹30 for two-wheelers and ₹50 for four-wheelers to prevent traffic congestion along the busy Ranjit Avenue stretch.