MYSURU, October 20: The nine-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 concluded at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru, Karnataka, drawing thousands of visitors to an exhibition of traditional handicrafts, handloom products and other goods made by artisans from 12 states and Union Territories.
An official spokesperson said the mela was organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and provided a marketing platform for artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Safai Karamcharis, including beneficiaries supported by three national corporations under the ministry.
Of the 83 stalls set up at the exhibition, 80 were allotted to artisans, including 37 women. Food stalls serving traditional delicacies were also part of the event.
Rajnish Banker, Deputy General Manager of the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), said the initiative aimed to strengthen market linkages, promote traditional craftsmanship and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
He said 975 artisans had benefited from 13 Shilp Samagam fairs organised since 2022, adding that the Mysuru edition was the first such mela of the financial year 2026–27.
Artisans from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh participated in the exhibition.
The products on display included handicrafts, handloom and Kanjivaram sarees, spices, pickles, incense sticks, honey, block-printed items, leather goods, wooden toys, terracotta products, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall hangings and home furnishings.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale visited the mela and inspected stalls showcasing the products. Union Secretary Sudhansh Pant also visited the exhibition and interacted with stall managers and visitors during his two-day official visit to Mysuru to review the ministry’s schemes and programmes with the state Social Welfare Department.
The ministry said it provides participating artisans with free stalls and assistance covering travel, daily allowance, transportation of goods and meals, subject to the applicable provisions.
It has also introduced BHARAT TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme) to expand market access through digital platforms in India and abroad. The initiative seeks to improve product visibility, promote online sales and support traditional crafts.
The ministry plans to organise additional Shilp Samagam fairs in Guwahati, New Delhi, Jodhpur and Lucknow during 2026–27. It will also participate in the India International Trade Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27, and the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad in February 2027.
Spokesperson said the initiative aims to expand market opportunities for artisans while supporting traditional skills and improving livelihood prospects for disadvantaged communities. (PIB)
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