‘Mahalakshmi Saras 2026’ Concludes on a Grand Note; Record Business Crossing ₹50 Crore

POSTED BY MRUNALI SAKPAL ON DATED 18/05/2026(8850212023)

Successful Execution Under the Leadership of Minister Jaikumar Gore, CEO Nilesh Sagar and COO Nikhilkumar Oswal

Mumbai,(RMN): — ‘Mahalakshmi Saras 2026’ concluded with historic success, setting new benchmarks in sales, management, and social impact. Initially planned for 14 days, the exhibition was extended to 17 days following special approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The event recorded an unprecedented turnover of ₹50.41 crore.

Held under the guidance of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jaikumar Gore, the exhibition has now emerged as one of India’s finest Saras platforms with growing global recognition.

Organised at BKC, Mumbai, the exhibition received an overwhelming response from visitors despite the summer heat. The venue witnessed houseful crowds from the very first day, with sales crossing ₹1 crore by 2 PM on the opening day itself. More than 6,500 rural families directly benefited through the initiative.

CEO of Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission, Nilesh Sagar (IAS), said, “After taking charge in 2024, I had the opportunity to oversee four Mahalakshmi Saras editions, and this year’s edition has been the best so far. Last year, the BKC exhibition generated ₹27 crore in sales, while this year’s target was ₹40 crore. However, we crossed ₹50 crore. A delegation from Tamil Nadu also visited the exhibition for study purposes and expressed interest in adopting Umed as a national nodal agency.”

Continuous Monitoring by Minister Jaikumar Gore

Minister Jaikumar Gore made at least three surprise visits to the exhibition and conducted multiple review meetings before the event. According to officials, his personal attention to every detail ensured world-class execution and smooth management.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during his visit before the inauguration, remarked, “Visit Saras once, and you will keep asking when the next Saras will happen.” He also praised the exhibition as being of “global standard.”

Umed COO Nikhilkumar Oswal stated that Minister Gore personally reviewed the layout multiple times nearly one-and-a-half months before the event to ensure better planning and execution. He added that the government’s support ensured that every rupee directly benefited rural women entrepreneurs and helped Umed products reach households across the country.

At the closing ceremony, Nikhilkumar Oswal said, “This initiative is aimed at improving women’s livelihoods and human development indicators. Patience, perseverance, and willingness to learn can create opportunities in every situation — a lesson we have learned from the women themselves.”

Overall, ‘Mahalakshmi Saras 2026’ has established a new benchmark in terms of sales, discipline, planning, and social impact, laying a strong foundation for future Saras exhibitions.

Reactions from Stall Participants

– Madhuri Mhatre, Raigad- :“Standing here today fills me with pride and gratitude. We design clothes for children, and these 16 days gave us training, customer trust, and confidence. The security arrangements were excellent, which reassured our families as well.”

– Deepa Mangnale, Food Stall Participant- : “Today, Umed has become a global brand. I had never seen such a large-scale Saras before. When I fell ill during the exhibition, the medical support and ambulance services here helped me immediately. Today, I stand here healthy and proud.”

– Radha Shahu, Palghar-:“This was my first experience. A woman from a remote village got an opportunity to learn and grow in a metropolitan city. The arrangements and support from officials were outstanding.”

– Pallavi Harldar, West Bengal– :“I came here from a small village in West Bengal. The management, discipline, and organisation here are exceptional. People appreciated and respected our art wholeheartedly.”

– Shubhangi Mahale, Wardha District Coordinator– :“With guidance from senior officials, we were able to fulfil our responsibilities effectively. The trust shown by women and families during the event was our biggest achievement.”

Key Highlights

– Exhibition extended from 14 to 17 days

– Record turnover of ₹50.41 crore

– Nearly double growth compared to last year’s ₹27 crore business

– Direct benefit to over 6,500 rural families

– Tamil Nadu delegation visited for study and collaboration

– 24×7 security, medical facilities, and ambulance services

– Introduction of digital livelihood register initiatives

Focus shifting from “Lakhpati Didi” to “Crorepati Didi” vision

– Strong emphasis on branding, packaging, and marketing initiatives