Patna: More than 230 stalls featuring products from different states and a wide range of traditional crafts, food items and modern innovations will be set up at the fifth edition of the annual Dussehra Fair at Gyan Bhawan in Patna from September 2 to 6.Organised by the Bihar mahila udyog sangh, the five-day fair will be held at the air-conditioned multi-purpose hall of Gyan Bhawan near Gandhi Maidan. The event is recognised by the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and will bring together women entrepreneurs along with participants from Nabard, the women and child development corporation (WCDC), the industries department, Bihar govt and other govt and non-govt agencies.Bihar building construction minister Lessi Singh will inaugurate the fair as the chief guest. The assistant director of MSME-DFO Patna, officials from the industries department, Nabard’s chief general manager, the director of Bihar Museum and the director of KVIC are also expected to attend the inaugural programme.Speaking at a news conference at the BIA auditorium on Monday, Bihar mahila udyog sangh president Usha Jha said entrepreneurs from different parts of the country, along with women entrepreneurs from Bihar, would participate in the fair.Visitors will find stalls showcasing silk and handloom products, jewellery, sattu, papad, pickles, Mithila paintings, tikuli and sikki art, 3D-printed products, robotics, home décor and several other items. A ramp walk featuring products and local art promoted by women entrepreneurs will also be organised during the fair.Association vice-president Indu Agrawal said the organisation has been working for women entrepreneurs for the past 31 years and has used such fairs to provide them with a platform to display and sell products made by them.Vice-presidents Purnima Roy and Kiran Ranjan said the fair would also focus on connecting entrepreneurs with govt schemes and creating opportunities for networking. Seminars organised with govt departments will provide information to entrepreneurs and encourage entrepreneurship.Joint secretary Ankita said the event would promote Bihar’s local art while also showcasing newer areas such as 3D printing and robotics. Secretary Menaka Sinha said several prizes and honours would be announced during the closing ceremony. Entry to the five-day fair will be free for visitors.
