As part of bringing together artisans from across the country, including the North-Eastern States, the 08 days Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 is underway at Guwahati, the State Capital of Assam.
The Mela is showcasing India’s rich and diverse heritage of traditional handicrafts and handloom products.
Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the Mela will continue until October 28 Wednesday.
A Senior Official in the Ministry said the Mela remains open to public at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati, from 11 A.M. onwards till 9 O’ Clock. He said the visitors are exploring the diverse range of traditional products to purchase the creations and support the artisans.
The visitors are also enthralled to witness a galaxy of artists presenting traditional musical and dance programmes.
The Official said a total of 75 artisans, including 31 women artisans, are participating in the Mela, displaying approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products.
He said the event is providing participating artisans with a platform to exhibit and sell their products directly to visitors, establish connections with prospective customers and explore opportunities to expand their market reach.
By facilitating direct interaction between artisans and consumers, the Mela seeks to strengthen market access, encourage entrepreneurship and improve livelihood opportunities for participating artisans, he added.
The Official said the Guwahati edition features a wide range of traditional crafts and handloom products representing different regions of India.
The participation of artisans from the North-Eastern States, alongside those from other parts of the country, will provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of India’s artistic traditions, indigenous craftsmanship and cultural heritage, he added.
He said the event aims to also encourage greater appreciation of the skills and creativity of artisans whose work contributes to preserving traditional knowledge and craft practices.
The Official further said 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 belonging to the target groups through physical outlets and e-commerce platforms.
By promoting access to wider markets and digital channels, the initiative is aimed to strengthen market linkages, expand customer outreach and create additional opportunities for artisans to enhance their earnings.
It also supports the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and crafts by connecting artisans and their products with evolving consumer markets, he said.
The Shilp Samagam Mela (SSM-2026) is an important initiative of the Ministry 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).
The first edition of SSM 2026 concluded in Mysuru on October 19, with thousands of visitors thronging the nine days Mela at Dasara Exhibition Ground, Mysuru in Karnataka.
Guided by the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, the Mela is promotiong the economic empowerment of artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Safai Mitras and Denotified Tribes (DNTs).
The Mela is providing a dedicated platform for these communities to showcase their skills, market their products and strengthen their economic self-reliance through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
In addition to promoting the sale of traditional products, the Mela is creating awareness among visitors and participating communities about the welfare, financial assistance and development schemes implemented by the Ministry and its three National Corporations.
The initiative is complementing financial and developmental support with market-oriented interventions, enabling artisans to translate their traditional skills and craftsmanship into viable livelihood opportunities, the official said.
It is pertinent to mention that through initiatives such as Shilp Samagam Mela, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to advance its efforts towards the socio-economic empowerment of communities having financial constraints, by promoting entrepreneurship, facilitating market access and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The Mela is enhancing the visibility of participating artisans, expanding awareness of their products and encouraging greater public engagement with India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions.