75 Artisans, Including 31 Women, to Showcase Traditional Handicrafts and Handloom Products at Khanapara Farm Gate
Guwahati, October 21, 2026: The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 is being organised at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, from October 21 to 28, 2026, under the initiative of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The fair will showcase India’s rich and diverse handicraft and handloom traditions, with artisans from the North-Eastern states and other parts of the country participating in the event.
A total of 75 artisans, including 31 women, will participate in the fair and display approximately 40 varieties of handicraft and handloom products. The event aims to provide artisans with a platform to exhibit and sell their products directly to visitors, connect with prospective customers, explore new market opportunities and strengthen their livelihoods.
The fair is intended to extend market-oriented support to artisans and beneficiaries associated with three national corporations functioning under the Ministry: the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), and the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC).
Shilp Samagam Mela is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to promote the skills, products and entrepreneurial potential of artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis and other targeted groups associated with these national corporations. In addition to facilitating market access, the fair serves as a platform to raise awareness about the welfare, financial assistance and development schemes implemented by the Ministry and its three national corporations.
The Guwahati edition will feature a wide range of traditional crafts and handloom products representing different regions of India. The participation of artisans from the North-East, alongside those from other parts of the country, will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the country’s diverse artistic traditions, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
The fair will also promote BHARAT-TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme), an initiative aimed at facilitating the marketing of products made by artisans belonging to targeted groups through physical retail outlets and e-commerce platforms. The initiative is expected to strengthen market linkages, improve consumer access, expand livelihood opportunities and contribute to the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
Through initiatives such as the Shilp Samagam Mela, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to focus on empowering targeted communities by facilitating market access, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The fair is expected to provide participating artisans with greater visibility for their products and create opportunities for them to expand their customer base. At the same time, it will enable visitors to appreciate and support India’s rich handicraft and handloom heritage while contributing to the economic empowerment of traditional artisans.
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