Quick answer: Dates for a 2026 Saras Mela in Ludhiana have not been announced. As of 5 October 2026, District Administration Ludhiana has published no 2026 schedule. The last two Ludhiana editions were held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU): 27 October to 5 November 2023, and October 2025. We will update this page as soon as official dates are out.
Saras Mela Ludhiana: key facts
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| 2026 edition | Not announced (checked 5 Oct 2026) |
| Last edition | October 2025, PAU grounds, Ludhiana (reported as 4 to 15 October, extended by two days after rain) |
| Edition before that | 27 October to 5 November 2023, PAU, Ferozepur Road (district notice) |
| Organiser | District Administration Ludhiana, with the Ministry of Rural Development |
| How often | Not every year in Ludhiana. Recent editions were 2023 and 2025 |
| Expected crowd | About 5 lakh visitors were expected in 2023 (district notice) |
Not the same as Saras Mela Mohali: a separate Saras Mela has been held in Mohali (Sector 88), run by the SAS Nagar district administration. See our Saras Mela Mohali guide if that is the one you are looking for.
Saras melas confirmed for 2026 and 2027
The Ministry of Rural Development has fixed its national SARAS calendar for 2026–27. None of these is in Punjab, but Gurugram is the closest to the tricity.
| Mela | Where | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026 | Gurugram | 22 October to 6 November 2026 |
| SARAS Food Festival 2026 | Sunder Nursery, New Delhi | 21 November to 8 December 2026 |
| SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2027 | Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi | 1 to 28 February 2027 |
Source: All India Radio News, 24 April 2026.
What is a Saras Mela?
Saras melas are fairs backed by the Ministry of Rural Development to give women’s self-help groups and rural artisans a place to sell directly to buyers. Expect stalls of handlooms, handicrafts and home-made food products from many states, regional food, and cultural performances.
Punjab districts take turns hosting them, so the month changes from year to year. Ludhiana held its editions in October–November, Mohali in October 2024 and Patiala in February 2025 (Patiala district notice).
How the 2025 Ludhiana edition went
The 2025 mela ran in October on the PAU grounds (PAU news). It was announced for 4 to 13 October and, as reported by The Tribune, extended by two days after rain, closing on 15 October. Evening concerts featured Punjabi artists including Gurdas Maan and Satinder Sartaaj (as reported). Exhibitors reported good sales at the close (The Tribune).
Getting to PAU Ludhiana from the tricity
- Distance: about 95–100 km from Chandigarh, roughly 2 hours by road via NH5 through Kharar. Mohali is slightly nearer.
- By train: Chandigarh to Ludhiana Junction, then an auto or cab to PAU on Ferozepur Road.
Tips for when the next mela is announced
- Go on a weekday afternoon for shopping, and in the evening for the concerts.
- Carry some cash: not every self-help-group stall takes UPI.
- Bring a cloth bag for your shopping.
FAQs
When is Saras Mela Ludhiana 2026?
No dates have been announced as of 5 October 2026. We will add them here once District Administration Ludhiana publishes them.
When was the last Saras Mela in Ludhiana?
In October 2025 at PAU Ludhiana. It was reported as running from 4 to 15 October after a two-day extension.
Is Saras Mela held every year in Ludhiana?
No. Recent Ludhiana editions were in 2023 and 2025. Saras melas move between Punjab districts.
Is there a Saras mela near Chandigarh in 2026?
The confirmed national SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2026 is in Gurugram from 22 October to 6 November 2026.
Sources
- All India Radio News: SARAS calendar for FY 2026–27 (24 Apr 2026)
- District Administration Ludhiana: Saras Mela 2023 notice
- Punjab Agricultural University: Saras Mela on campus, Oct 2025
- District Patiala: Saras Mela 2025 notice
- The Tribune: Saras Mela concludes in Ludhiana (Oct 2025)
Last updated: 5 October 2026.
