Gujarat’s Plastic-Free Swadeshi Melas Draw 40.5 Lakh Visitors, Boost ‘Vocal for Local’ Movement

By A Staff Reporter

Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s statewide celebration of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative concluded with remarkable public participation as Plastic-Free Swadeshi Melas, organised across 16 major cities, recorded over 40.50 lakh visitors between 10 September and 31 October 2025. The fairs, held in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Jamnagar and other urban centres, highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable, indigenous commerce and the promotion of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

A total of 2,707 stalls were allotted to 540 Self-Help Groups, giving local artisans, craftsmen, women-led collectives and small entrepreneurs a platform to showcase traditional and contemporary Swadeshi products. The melas generated sales exceeding ₹10 crore, providing a direct boost to local livelihoods while enabling consumers to engage with eco-friendly, plastic-free goods.