Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond inaugurates Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela-2026

Khanna (Ludhiana), February 21, 2026: The Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela-2026 kicked off with immense enthusiasm at the Dussehra ground on Saturday. The Mela aimed at providing a major platform for women entrepreneurs and artisans from Punjab and other states to showcase their handmade products while introducing visitors to the diverse cultures and heritage of the country. 
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond  inaugurated the Mela and mentioned that the Punjab government's Rural Livelihood Mission, Department of Rural Development and Panchayats, and Department of Industries and Commerce are jointly organizing the Punjab Sakhi Shakti Mela-2026: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs. He noted that entrepreneurs from various districts of Punjab and different states across the country have arrived with to exhibit their products. 
Sond thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for reviving such fairs across Punjab. Through this initiative, the Punjab government has created a platform to provide employment opportunities to talented women in villages. The fair features a variety of food stalls, special arrangements for children's entertainment with swings, and daily evening performances by famous Punjabi singers. It will prominently display Punjab's culture and heritage. He extended a warm invitation to the people to visit the mela with their families and enjoy the experience.
The Mela includes special provisions for swings along with a dedicated food court offering a range of delicacies. Daily evening cultural programs will feature renowned Punjabi artists. The mela opens daily at 10 AM, with an entry ticket priced at Rs 20 and the admission is free for students from government schools.
Nodal Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner Amarjeet Bains stated that such melas serve as an excellent means to connect with culture. He visited the stalls and lauded the artisans' creations, and also purchased some products. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Swati Tiwana welcomed the guests, artisans, and artists from various states for participating in the Mela. 
On the opening day, large crowds thronged the handicraft stalls, leading to brisk buying and selling. Students from government schools performed folk dance and enthralled the people.