The eight-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 began in Guwahati, Assam, on Wednesday, bringing together 75 artisans from across the country to showcase and sell traditional handicrafts and handloom products. Organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the mela will continue until October 28 at Farm Gate, Khanapara.
75 Artisans to Showcase Handloom and Handicraft Products
The mela features 75 artisans, including 31 women, displaying approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products. Artisans from the North-Eastern states and other parts of the country are participating, offering visitors an opportunity to explore India’s diverse artistic traditions and indigenous craftsmanship.
The mela is open to the public from 11 am to 9 pm. Visitors can purchase traditional products directly from artisans, supporting their livelihoods and helping them reach wider markets.
The event provides artisans with a platform to exhibit and sell their products, connect with prospective customers and explore opportunities to expand their market reach. Direct interaction between artisans and consumers is expected to strengthen market access, encourage entrepreneurship and improve livelihood opportunities.
Focus on BHARAT-TULIP Initiative
A key focus of the mela is the promotion of BHARAT-TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme), an initiative aimed at facilitating the marketing of products made by artisans from the target groups through physical outlets and e-commerce platforms.
The initiative seeks to expand artisans’ access to wider markets and digital channels, strengthen market linkages and create opportunities to enhance their earnings. It also aims to preserve and promote traditional arts and crafts by connecting artisans and their products with evolving consumer markets.
Supporting Economic Empowerment of Artisans
Shilp Samagam Mela is an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide marketing support to artisans and beneficiaries associated with its three National Corporations: 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).
Guided by the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the mela seeks to promote the economic empowerment of artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Safai Mitras and Denotified Tribes (DNTs). It provides a platform for them to showcase their skills, market their products and strengthen their economic self-reliance through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The mela will also create awareness among visitors and participating communities about welfare, financial assistance and development schemes implemented by the Ministry and its three National Corporations. By complementing financial and developmental support with market-oriented interventions, the initiative aims to help artisans turn their traditional skills into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Second Edition Follows Mysuru Event
The Guwahati edition follows the first Shilp Samagam Mela 2026, which concluded in Mysuru, Karnataka, on October 19. The nine-day event was held at the Dasara Exhibition Ground and attracted thousands of visitors.
Through initiatives such as Shilp Samagam Mela, the Ministry seeks to advance the socio-economic empowerment of disadvantaged communities by promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating market access and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The Guwahati event is expected to increase the visibility of participating artisans and encourage wider public engagement with India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions.
— PIB inputs
