The Aryavarth Express Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], February 25: The Swadeshi Mela has commenced in 38 municipalities across Gujarat, attracting over 1 lakh visitors and recording sales exceeding ₹83 lakh. The initiative, organized under the Gujarat Urban Livelihood Mission, provides a platform for local artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), street vendors, and small traders to showcase and sell indigenous products.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to embrace indigenous goods through the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, reinforcing the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has launched programs like ‘Gujarat Atmanirbhar Yatra’, ‘G-Maitri Yojana’, and ‘Mahila Udyog Sahay Yojana’ to support rural and urban artisans, handicraft workers, and small industries.
The Swadeshi Mela, building on the success of previous plastic-free festivals held from Dussehra to Diwali in 16 cities with over 40.5 lakh visitors and ₹10 crore in sales, will expand to all 152 municipalities by March 15, 2026. So far, more than 1500 stalls for SHGs, 1400 for street vendors, 1200 food stalls, and 1650 for other artisans have been allotted statewide, strengthening local economies and promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ vision.
