• This fair empowers traditional artisans, promotes indigenous crafts and strengthens livelihood opportunities
  • A large number of visitors, the ‘Bharat‑Tulip’ initiative, the ministry’s dedicated pavilion and cultural performances were the main attractions of this grand finale

The eight‑day ‘Shilp Samagam Mela 2026’ held at the Farm Gate of Khanapara in Guwahati, Assam, concluded successfully. The fair received wide appreciation from visitors, local communities and participating artisans

Organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the Government of India, this fair provided a vibrant platform for traditional artisans to showcase their heritage, establish direct contact with customers and enhance their socio‑economic self‑reliance

After the successful conclusion of the first edition in Mysore, Karnataka on 19 October, the Guwahati edition was the second event in the ‘Shilp Samagam’ series for the financial year 2026‑27

A senior ministry official said the eight‑day programme achieved its main objectives: promoting entrepreneurship, expanding market access and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Sanitation Workers and Denotified Tribes

In the Guwahati fair, a total of 75 artisans, including 31 women artisans, participated. Visitors were offered about 40 different varieties of handloom and handicraft products for viewing and purchase

Displayed items included regional crafts from the North‑East states as well as Assamese Mekhela Chador, bamboo and cane crafts, block‑printed fabrics, embroidery, leather work and handloom textiles, covering traditional arts from across the country

Direct interaction with consumers helped artisans forge potential business relationships, receive valuable market feedback and earn substantial income from direct sales

A key highlight of the fair was the visit by Shri Sudhanshu Pant, Secretary of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, accompanied by Shri Prabhat Tyagi, Co‑MD of NSFDC, and senior officials from the three top corporations

During his extensive tour of various stalls and the ministry’s pavilion, Shri Pant spoke with artisans to learn about their skills and market opportunities

He said the initiative aligns with the vision of Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. It creates concrete opportunities for artisans to transform their traditional crafts into sustainable economic self‑reliance

The fair mainly focused on promoting the ‘Bharat‑Tulip’ (a programme for uplifting traditional artisans and livelihood) by providing market access through real shops and e‑commerce platforms. By linking traditional skills with modern consumer channels, the programme strengthens market contacts and helps artisans expand their businesses

The ministry’s dedicated pavilion served as a major public‑relations hub. Interactive LED displays informed visitors about welfare schemes, financial assistance and skill development programmes. These schemes are run by the ministry’s three national corporations – NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKEFDC

Daily cultural programmes based on traditional music and folk dances from the North‑East region significantly increased public interest in the fair. These cultural shows were streamed live for eight days so that people outside the venue could also connect

The ministry official said the enthusiastic response from the public and the good business outcomes for participating artisans truly demonstrate the effectiveness of combining direct market access, public awareness and cultural enrichment. Through initiatives like the ‘Shilp Samagam Mela’, the ministry is advancing its commitment to empower disadvantaged communities and preserve India’s rich handloom and handicraft heritage