A Prestigious International Platform Connecting Traditional Craftsmanship, Innovation, Exporters and Artisan Communities with Global Buyers
The 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in association with India Exposition Mart Limited (IEML), is being held from 13 to 17 October 2026 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. Recognised as one of Asia’s leading international sourcing platforms for handicrafts and lifestyle products, the five-day exhibition brings together more than 3,000 manufacturer-exporters across 17 exhibition halls and 900 permanent Mart showrooms, presenting an extraordinary combination of India’s traditional craftsmanship, contemporary design innovations and export potential.
The prestigious exhibition showcases an extensive range of handcrafted products, including home décor, furniture, furnishings, carpets, textiles, fashion accessories, jewellery, metalware, woodcraft, lighting, eco-friendly products and lifestyle collections. Many participating exporters, craft entrepreneurs, Producer Groups and award-winning artisans have developed exclusive collections specifically for this international event, keeping in mind the preferences, quality expectations and changing requirements of overseas buyers.
Unlike conventional domestic exhibitions, the IHGF Delhi Fair maintains an internationally recognised business-oriented environment where innovative product development, design excellence, quality standards, competitive pricing and sustainable production practices receive particular importance. Several exclusive handcrafted collections displayed at the fair are specially designed for international sourcing and may not ordinarily be available in domestic retail markets. This distinctive character makes the exhibition particularly valuable for international bulk buyers, corporate houses, importers, designers and sourcing professionals seeking authentic Indian products.
Shri Giriraj Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, highlighted the fair’s contribution towards connecting Indian artisans, MSMEs and exporters with international markets while strengthening India’s position as a reliable global sourcing destination. Shri Pabitra Margherita, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, emphasised the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship while expanding its recognition and commercial opportunities worldwide.
Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, acknowledged the handicrafts sector’s contribution towards employment generation, rural development and strengthening India’s handmade identity. Smt. Amrit Raj, IPoS, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), holding additional charge of Handlooms, reiterated the Government’s commitment to the holistic development and welfare of artisans through skill upgradation, design development, technological interventions, infrastructure support and improved market linkages.
Empowering Artisans Through Direct Marketing and International Business Opportunities
One of the most significant attractions of the exhibition is the participation of approximately 30 artisans from different parts of India, facilitated with support from the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
These artisans represent India’s diverse regional craft traditions through exquisite stone carving, metal artistry, woodcraft, Sozni embroidery, Pashmina shawls, carpets, Bagru hand-block printing, Tikuli painting, Manipur’s Kauna craft and other traditional handmade products.
The international exhibition provides artisans with valuable opportunities to interact directly with overseas buyers, exporters, corporate houses, sourcing agencies and other business stakeholders. Such interactions can generate bulk orders, establish long-term business relationships and help artisans understand international design trends, product specifications, packaging requirements and quality expectations.
For National Awardees, Shilp Gurus, craft entrepreneurs, Producer Groups and emerging exporters, participation in an internationally recognised exhibition offers an important opportunity to strengthen their professional identity and explore wider markets.
Every handcrafted product carries a unique story of inherited knowledge, patience, creativity and cultural identity. Unlike machine-manufactured products, handmade creations preserve the individual artistic expression and craftsmanship of their makers.
With the festive season approaching, the exhibition also offers opportunities for increased business enquiries, product orders and future commercial partnerships. Its significance extends beyond immediate sales, as international exposure can encourage artisans to expand production, improve product diversification and establish sustainable enterprises.
Stronger artisans create stronger enterprises; stronger enterprises support prosperous communities; and prosperous communities contribute towards building a stronger nation with a respected global identity.
Every purchase of a handcrafted product is therefore more than a commercial transaction. It represents appreciation for the artisan’s dedication, cultural heritage and the generations of traditional knowledge preserved through their creative hands.
North Eastern Handicrafts: A Colourful Expression of Culture, Resilience and Creativity
Another remarkable feature of the 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair is the colourful presentation of handicrafts and handloom products from India’s North Eastern Region, alongside special regional displays from Bihar and Nagaland.
Traditional Assamese Mekhela Sador, Eri silk shawls, stoles, handwoven textiles, decorative products, bamboo crafts, Manipuri handloom fabrics and traditional Naga weaving reflect the exceptional artistic diversity of the region.
The beautifully designed textiles, distinctive motifs, vibrant colours and environmentally friendly materials are attracting interest from visitors seeking to understand the cultural background, production techniques and traditional significance of these handmade creations.
The North Eastern displays offer opportunities for meaningful interaction between artisans and prospective buyers, while highlighting the commercial potential of indigenous craftsmanship in contemporary international markets.
The participation of artisans from Assam deserves particular appreciation, especially considering the difficulties that floods can impose on artisan families and communities. For those affected by such natural calamities, maintaining production, arranging raw materials, transporting finished products and participating in a major international exhibition can be challenging.
Their determination to preserve traditional skills and pursue market opportunities despite adversity reflects the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the region’s artisan communities.
Participation in such international events can also inspire younger generations to recognise handicrafts and handlooms as viable livelihood opportunities. With appropriate institutional support, design innovation, financial assistance and market access, traditional craftsmanship can develop into sustainable enterprises capable of generating employment within rural communities.
Innovation, Young Designers and Sustainable Craft Development
The exhibition also features the Young Designers Collective, Trend Booth and knowledge-sharing sessions, providing opportunities for emerging designers, entrepreneurs and exporters to explore contemporary market trends and innovative product development.
These initiatives demonstrate how traditional craftsmanship can be integrated with modern functionality, environmentally responsible materials and evolving consumer preferences without compromising its cultural authenticity.
Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH, and Chairman, IEML, highlighted the significance of design innovation, international business partnerships, market diversification and sustainable export development.
Such initiatives are particularly important for artisans and Producer Groups seeking to move beyond local markets and establish a stronger presence in organised domestic and international supply chains.
Strengthening Brand India Through Global Market Connections
With participation and interest from buyers representing more than 100 countries, the IHGF Delhi Fair continues to serve as an important bridge between India’s artisan communities, manufacturing enterprises and international markets.
The exhibition reflects the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, ‘Make in India’, ‘Make for the World’ and ‘Brand India’, while supporting employment generation, women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, preservation of traditional skills and the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.
Beyond promoting exports, the fair demonstrates that India’s handicrafts sector possesses tremendous potential to contribute towards inclusive economic development, particularly by connecting rural artisans, women-led enterprises, Producer Groups and emerging entrepreneurs with wider commercial opportunities.
The 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026 is therefore not merely an international trade exhibition; it is a celebration of India’s living cultural heritage, artistic excellence, entrepreneurial aspirations and the extraordinary dedication of millions of skilled craftspeople.
When an artisan receives recognition, an entire tradition gains visibility. When handcrafted products reach international markets, the identity of India travels with them.
The continued success of such international platforms can help ensure that India’s traditional craftsmanship remains economically sustainable, culturally respected and globally competitive for generations to come.
Ultimately, supporting Indian handicrafts means supporting the hands that create them, the families whose livelihoods depend upon them and the communities that preserve India’s timeless artistic traditions. Every handcrafted creation purchased, appreciated or promoted carries not merely a product, but a meaningful piece of India’s cultural soul to the world.
Leave a Reply