Cyclone ‘Arnab’: National SARAS mela in Vijayawada closed to public on October 28

Visitors check the products in a stall at the National SARAS Mela–2026 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada. G.N. RAO

The National SARAS Mela–2026 at Punnami Ghat in Vijayawada will remain temporarily closed to the public on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of visitors, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, artisans, stall operators, and other staff.

Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) Additional Director D. John said that the decision has been taken in view of the rainfall alert issued by the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) for the city, due to the very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.

In view of the prevailing weather conditions and anticipated risks, the officials have decided to temporarily suspend public access to the mela on Wednesday.

The National SARAS Mela–2026 will reopen to the public on October 29 (Thursday) and continue until October 31 (Saturday), subject to prevailing weather conditions and safety considerations.

As of October 26, the mela recorded cumulative sales of ₹10.54 crore, with 4.81 lakh products sold by Self-Help Group (SHG) women entrepreneurs, according to data available with the officials.

The cultural programmes organised as part of the mela are turning out to be a major attraction for visitors. The performances of artistes from Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh garnered a lot of applause.