International Forest Fair in Bhopal from this day: CM Mohan Yadav to inaugurate; ayurvedic experts to provide free consultation; 350 stalls will be set up
The International Forest Fair (Van Mela) is a unique event in itself. The fair provides a comprehensive platform to showcase activities, products, and opportunities in the field of minor forest produce and medicinal plants, and to establish dialogue among collectors, producers, traders, entrepreneurs, scientists, administrators, and policy makers associated with this sector. Minister of State for Forests Dilip Singh Ahirwar was addressing a press conference on the Forest Fair at Palash Hotel.
Ahirwar said that the fair will be inaugurated by CM Dr. Mohan Yadav on 17 December. He stated that the Fair, based on the theme “Prosperous Forests, Happy People,” will be held from 17 to 23 December at Lal Parade Ground.
A total of 350 stalls are being set up at the fair. District unions of the state, forest departments, Van Dhan Centres, herb collectors, producers, Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers, and sellers of traditional food products will display and sell their products at the fair.
The fair will include 10 government stalls, stalls from 24 other states, 16 exhibition stalls, 136 private stalls, and 26 food stalls, where visitors will get to taste dishes such as Dalpuniya from Alirajpur and Gond tribal cuisine from Bandhavgarh. In addition, there will be 50 OPD stalls and a Kids Zone.
Ahirwar said that 200 doctors and experts of the Ayurvedic system will provide free medical consultation at the fair. He also informed that cultural programs will be organized, including orchestra performances, street plays, folk dances, and competitions such as painting, fancy dress, and singing for school students.
Cultural schedule
The cultural schedule includes traditional dance performance from Dindori on 17 December, Orchestra performance by Anchal Sharma Group on 18 December, Musical presentation by Virasat Sufi on 19 December, An Evening Dedicated to the Forest Department (Forest Melody) by Sargam Musical Group will be organised on 20 December.
Similarly, musical performance by renowned singer Shri Neeraj Shridhar, Bombay Vikings will be held on 21 December in the evening, cultural program by Mansarovar on 22 December and traditional dance performance from Jhabua wil be organised on 23 December 2025 in the evening:
The Forest Minister further informed that an international workshop will also be organized on 19 and 20 December during the Forest Fair. Representatives from 17 states of India, 2 from Nepal, and 1 from Bhutan will participate. The workshop will be organized in coordination with IIFM.