Saras Mela sparked controversy regarding the allocation of food stalls

Agartala, Mar 13, 2025, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Mar 13: The Saras Mela organized in Sepahijala district has sparked controversy, particularly regarding the allocation of food stalls. Self-reliant women involved in the event have expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the process. Moreover, allegations have surfaced that despite spending lakhs of rupees on organizing the fair, there was a lack of public turnout, raising concerns about the event’s overall effectiveness.

The three-day district-level Saras Mela was held from March 11 to March 13 at the Bishramganj Mini Stadium, the district headquarters of Sepahijala, with significant government funding. The fairgrounds were decorated with the slogan, "Come, sisters, let’s make a self-reliant Tripura," highlighting its theme of empowering self-reliant women. However, the reality fell short of expectations.

Self-reliant women, who were supposed to run stalls selling goods and food items made by them, voiced their discontent over the allocation of stalls. Instead of providing opportunities for these women, many of the food stalls were allotted to various businessmen. This has led to allegations that the fair, intended to promote the role of self-reliant women, ended up favoring commercial interests rather than the very group it was meant to support.

Additionally, despite the large sums of money spent on organizing the mela—such as decorating the fair with banners and festoons—the event failed to attract a significant crowd. The organizers' inability to effectively spread awareness about the event among district residents raised questions about the planning and outreach efforts. In the end, what was intended to be a celebration of self-reliant women turned into a controversial and poorly attended event, leaving many questioning the event's true purpose and execution.