Bhat Hall Now Features Art Gallery and Convention Centre Residents of central and east Nagpur now have access to a new cultural and social hub with the inauguration of an art gallery-cum-convention centre at the Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium in Reshimbagh. The facility, which opened on Saturday, was officially launched by Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who highlighted its role in providing a modern venue for artists, organizations, and local communities. The centre spans 12,500 square feet on the ground floor and includes four fully air-conditioned halls equipped with acoustic panels and folding partitions to accommodate a variety of events. The project, led by one of its directors, Shashikant Manapure, aims to address a long-standing gap in the region’s infrastructure. Manapure noted that prior to the centre’s opening, residents of central and east Nagpur lacked a well-equipped space for cultural and social gatherings. He emphasized that the facility’s proximity to residential areas makes it accessible for local communities, with plans to host exhibitions, seminars, and cultural events. The centre also features air conditioning, acoustic facilities, and food services, with its 7,000-square-foot open space designed to accommodate temporary structures like domes and pavilions for festivals, trade fairs, and outdoor gatherings. A 4,500-square-foot fine-dining restaurant is currently under development adjacent to the centre, set to offer tea, snacks, refreshments, and full-course meals. The opening celebrations included a group exhibition titled “Rangmegh,” showcasing works by 16 local artists. The exhibition, which blends diverse artistic styles and techniques, marks the gallery’s debut as a destination for art enthusiasts.#nitin_gadkari #reshimbagh #kavivarya_suresh_bhat_auditorium #rangmegh_exhibition #shashikant_manapure
Maha Cuisine Draws Crowd At Saras Expo The Mahalaxmi Saras 2026 exhibition, organized by the Zilla Parishad, transformed the Reshimbagh ground in Nagpur into a bustling hub of culinary activity from March 11 to March 22. The event, featuring over 400 stalls, showcased the diverse flavors of Maharashtra, with female entrepreneurs at the forefront. Sales during the exhibition reached a staggering 10 crore, highlighting the economic impact of the gathering. Stalls from across the state, including Kolhapur and Alibaug, brought their regional specialties to the event, creating a vibrant tapestry of tastes. Sangeeta, a vendor from Pune, highlighted the popularity of dishes like ‘tamda rassa’, ‘pandhra rassa’, and seafood, prepared with traditional Punjabi masalas. To maintain authenticity, her team sourced fresh fish and crabs daily from Pune. Similarly, the Kolhapuri stall, supported by the Umed Foundation, drew large crowds for its biryani. The owners noted the event’s role in boosting their household income, emphasizing its significance as a platform for economic upliftment. A group from Chandrapur, led by Ruplata Upre, showcased ‘matka roti’, receiving positive feedback despite the challenges of competing in a crowded market. Rupali, a participant, emphasized that the exhibition provided a confidence boost, allowing vendors to refine their strategies. Ashwini Thakre from Dhule, specializing in Khandeshi cuisine, adjusted her offerings to focus on vegetarian items due to the high number of non-veg stalls. The event also faced logistical challenges. Vaishali Rajwade from Washim described an initial slow start, but the demand for her biryani grew as visitors traveled from far distances.#kolkata #zilla_parishad #reshimbagh #mahalaxmi_saras_2026 #umed_foundation
Mahalakshmi Saras Expo Drives Over Rs5 Crore in Sales During Opening Week The state-level Mahalakshmi Saras 2026 exhibition, held in Reshimbagh, Nagpur, recorded more than Rs5 crore in sales within its first week of operation, which began on March 11. The event, which showcases products crafted by women self-help groups (SHGs) across Maharashtra, has drawn significant attention from visitors. Zilla parishad chief executive officer Vinayak Mahamuni reported that the exhibition has seen consistent footfall and steady business since its inauguration. Average daily sales have reached approximately Rs50 lakh, with Sunday alone contributing Rs92 lakh, the highest single-day revenue recorded so far. Officials highlighted that food stalls have become the most popular attraction at the expo, with traditional items such as snacks, pickles, spices, and ready-to-eat products receiving the most patronage. The success of the event underscores the growing interest in locally made goods and the role of women-led collectives in driving economic activity. The exhibition’s focus on promoting handmade crafts and regional specialties has not only boosted sales but also provided a platform for artisans to reach a wider audience. The expo’s strong performance reflects the community’s enthusiasm for supporting grassroots initiatives and preserving cultural heritage through commerce. As the event continues, organizers remain optimistic about its potential to foster sustainable livelihoods and strengthen regional economic ties.#nagpur #zilla_parishad #mahalakshmi_saras_2026 #reshimbagh #vinayak_mahamuni
