By Vikas Sir, Founder & Senior Faculty – Cosmo Classes | 15 July 2026

The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated on 14 July 2026 at Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar opened the eight-day event, which runs until 22 July 2026.

Divya Kala Mela Initiative

Divya Kala Mela promotes products made by persons with disabilities (Divyang entrepreneurs). Conceived in December 2022, it has been held in cities such as Srinagar, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Patna.

Organisation and Participation

This is the first Divya Kala Mela jointly organised by the Centre and the West Bengal government. Around 40 stalls have been set up, with a large share of participants from West Bengal.

The Mela is linked to self-reliance, dignity, economic empowerment and social inclusion for persons with disabilities, within the broader framework of disability welfare and livelihood support.

Important Facts for Exams

  • Venue: Ravindra Sadan, a cultural venue in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • Minister: Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • Divyang: Term used in India for persons with disabilities.
  • Slogan: "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas".

Mela Snapshot

Parameter Detail
Edition 31st
Venue Ravindra Sadan, Kolkata
Duration 14–22 July 2026
Stalls ~40

Static GK on Disability Welfare Fairs

Disability-focused fairs combine exhibition, marketing and livelihood support for artisans with disabilities. Exam hint: Divya Kala Mela is run under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Practice Questions

Q1. The 31st Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated in which city?
A) Patna
B) Kolkata
C) Guwahati
D) Kochi
Answer: B

Q2. Who inaugurated the event?
A) Piyush Goyal
B) Virendra Kumar
C) Bhupender Yadav
D) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: B

Q3. Divya Kala Mela was conceived in:
A) December 2020
B) December 2022
C) January 2023
D) July 2026
Answer: B

Q4. The Mela promotes products made by:
A) SHGs only
B) Divyang entrepreneurs
C) Startups
D) Farmers
Answer: B

Q5. The venue Ravindra Sadan is located in:
A) Mumbai
B) Delhi
C) Kolkata
D) Chennai
Answer: C

Q6. Consider the statements:
1. It is the first Mela jointly organised by the Centre and West Bengal.
2. It runs from 14 to 22 July 2026.
3. Around 40 stalls were set up.
Which are correct?
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 3
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D

UPSC / RPSC Relevance

  • UPSC Prelims: Government initiatives for persons with disabilities.
  • UPSC Mains – GS Paper II: Welfare of vulnerable sections and social inclusion.
  • RPSC / SSC: Government schemes current affairs.

Mains Descriptive Question

GS Paper II: "Market-linked fairs can strengthen economic empowerment of persons with disabilities." Discuss with reference to Divya Kala Mela. (250 words · 15 marks)