BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 10th January 2026: The Agartala Municipal Corporation has announced that the ongoing Swadeshi Mela 2026, initially slated for January 9–11, will now run until January 13 following an enthusiastic turnout from participants and visitors.
Speaking at Swami Vivekananda Maidan here today, Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder said the extension was prompted by the vibrant participation of stall owners, government departments, and women’s self-help groups (SHGs). “The fair was planned for three days, but the scale of public interest and the active involvement of SHG women and local entrepreneurs made it necessary to extend it by two more days,” Majumder stated.
The mela was inaugurated yesterday by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, is being celebrated as more than just a cultural or commercial fair. It is viewed as a showcase of indigenous pride and self-reliance. In his inaugural address, Dr. Saha underscored the event’s alignment with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. “Atmanirbhar Bharat is not a slogan but a people’s movement, where every citizen contributes by choosing locally made products,” he remarked.
Featuring handicrafts, traditional items, and indigenous goods, the fair has drawn participation from grassroots organizations and government departments alike. Mayor Majumder further appealed to citizens to support the initiative wholeheartedly, noting that such platforms strengthen both cultural heritage and economic independence.
With the extension, visitors will have two extra days to explore stalls, interact with artisans, and celebrate the ethos of self-reliance. Large crowds continue to throng the venue, reinforcing the mela’s role as a catalyst for local entrepreneurship and cultural preservation.
