by Suman Gupta
Mumbai, 1 May 2026 — Mahalakshmi Saras is emerging today as a powerful symbol of women empowerment in Maharashtra. With over 5 million ‘Lakhpati Didis’ actively engaged across the state, it stands as one of the largest working women’s collectives in the country. These women are not only entrepreneurs but are also direct generators of employment, making significant contributions to the economic progress of their families and society.
Under the UMED campaign, Mahalakshmi Saras has now evolved into a large-scale people’s movement, where women are gaining not just livelihoods but also self-reliance, leadership, and social recognition. This initiative is consistently working towards organizing rural women and making them financially empowered.
The success of the UMED campaign can be gauged from the fact that loans worth over 50,000 crore have been disbursed to women so far. In the past year alone, loans amounting to 10,000 crore were extended to aspiring women entrepreneurs. More than 5 million Lakhpati Didis have been created in the state.
From May 2, 2026, the grand inauguration of the “Mahalakshmi Saras Sale and Exhibition 2026” will take place at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. The event is organized by the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj under the UMED – Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission. The exhibition will remain open to the general public until May 14, 2026.
This year, a total of 500 stalls have been set up, including 230 from Maharashtra, 66 from other states, 68 from innovative women’s groups, and 34 from women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally, 22 stalls from various government institutions such as NABARD, MAVIM, Khadi and Village Industries Board, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, as well as Tribal and Agriculture Departments are also participating.
One of the key attractions of the exhibition is the air-conditioned food court with 80 stalls, offering traditional and delicious cuisines prepared by women from different regions of the state. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase handloom textiles, Warli and Banjara art, wooden toys, exquisite jewelry, and other rural products.
This year, Mahalakshmi Saras incorporates modern technologies such as AR photography, anamorphic walls, and infographic walls. Special facilities have been arranged for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. Additionally, a free home delivery service within a 25-kilometer radius has been made available for the convenience of visitors.
On this occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UMED-MSRLM, Mr. Nilesh Sagar (IAS), stated that, “Mahalakshmi Saras is not merely an exhibition, but a powerful platform that strengthens women’s economic independence, confidence, and leadership abilities. The network of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ is giving a new direction to Maharashtra’s rural economy. Today, women are no longer confined to their households; they are actively participating in the mainstream of industry, finance, and markets. Through the UMED campaign, we are providing them with training, financial assistance, and market access to build a strong ecosystem. Our goal is to enable more women to become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and contribute to the economic growth of their families, the state, and the nation.”
He further added, “Our objective is not just to provide a sales platform, but to develop women into organized, sustainable, and globally competitive entrepreneurs. Through Mahalakshmi Saras, we are bringing the concept of ‘Local to Global’ into reality. This year’s ‘Container’ theme symbolizes the rapid progress of women entrepreneurship towards exports, innovation, and global opportunities. We are committed to empowering women through digital platforms, branding, and e-commerce so that their products can reach national and international markets.”
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On this occasion, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Umed MSRLM, Mr. Nikhil Oswal said that, “Every year, hundreds of stalls by women’s self-help groups are set up under the Mahalakshmi Saras initiative. To ensure that customers do not face any difficulty in locating their preferred stalls, products, or food items, kiosk machines have been installed in the theme park using modern technology. Through these machines, customers can easily find information about specific stalls, products, or food items.”
The central theme of this year is “Container,” symbolizing industry, exports, and global opportunities. This concept reflects the journey of women entrepreneurs from local to global platforms. A grand container-based façade, designed as an ‘Udyog Killa’ (Industrial Fort), stands as a symbol of innovation, management capability, and women’s leadership.
Mahalakshmi Saras has now evolved beyond being an annual event and is becoming a model for long-term economic transformation. This initiative is connecting rural women with key aspects such as financial inclusion, digital empowerment, and branding. Today’s women entrepreneurs are not just selling products, but also taking their region’s cultural identity to a global stage. In the future, the initiative will expand further through e-commerce, export networks, and international collaborations, thereby increasing women’s income and accelerating Maharashtra’s overall economic growth.
Mahalakshmi Saras 2026 is a celebration of women’s strength, innovation, and self-reliance, marking a significant step towards a new economic revolution in Maharashtra.
