The SHILP SAMAGAM MELA 2026 is underway at the Mysuru Dasara Exhibition Grounds at Mysuru in Karnataka, being organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, since October 11.
The 9 Days Mela upto October 19, aims to provide a marketing platform for products made by beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Safai Karamcharis, including artisans supported by the three National Corporations functioning under the Ministry, namely the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
A senior official in the Ministry said the initiative seeks to strengthen market linkages for artisans, promote traditional craftsmanship and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the target groups.
He said the Ministry has been organising SHILP SAMAGAM MELAS since 2022, and 975 artisans have been benefited through 13 such fairs organised so far.
The Mysuru edition is the first SHILP SAMAGAM MELA of the financial year 2026–27.
The official said a total of 83 stalls have been put up at the Mela, out of which 80 have been allotted to artisans, including 37 women artisans. Food stalls serving traditional delicacies have also been set up for visitors.
The Mela features artisans from 12 States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, he added.
The Official informed that the exhibition showcases a wide range of traditional products, including handicraft items, handloom sarees, spices, pickles, incense sticks, honey products, block-printed products, Kanjivaram sarees, leather goods, wooden toys, bags and purses, terracotta products, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall hangings, and bed and cushion covers. The platform enables artisans to display their products to a wider audience and connect with prospective customers, while promoting India's diverse cultural heritage and traditional skills.
The official further said that SHILP SAMAGAM MELA also serves as a platform to disseminate information about the schemes and programmes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and its three national corporations—NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC. The initiative seeks to enhance awareness about available assistance and development opportunities for eligible beneficiaries, while encouraging entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The Ministry has also introduced BHARAT TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme) to expand market access for products made by the target groups through various digital platforms in India and abroad. Under this initiative, products are branded as BHARAT TULIP to enhance their visibility and facilitate online sales. The programme aims to strengthen artisans' livelihoods while preserving traditional art forms and promoting India's rich craftsmanship to a wider audience.
The Official said the Ministry facilitates the participation of artisans by providing free stalls and support covering travel expenses, daily allowance, transportation of goods, and meals, including lunch and dinner. This assistance helps artisans participate in the mela and showcase their products without bearing stall rental costs and specified participation-related expenses.
It is pertinent to mention that during the Financial Year 2026–27, the Ministry proposes to organise additional SHILP SAMAGAM FAIRS At Guwahati, Dilli Haat In New Delhi, Jodhpur And Lucknow.
The Ministry and its three National Corporations will also participate in major exhibitions, including the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27, 2026, and the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad in February 2027.
Through initiatives such as SHILP SAMAGAM MELA and BHARAT TULIP, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to promote market access, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for artisans from the target groups, while supporting the preservation and wider recognition of India's traditional arts and crafts.