Guwahati to Host Eight-Day Shilpa Samagam Mela 2026 Starting October 21

Guwahati, October 20 (Daily Kiran) : The vibrant city of Guwahati is set to host the ‘Shilpa Samagam Mela 2026’ from October 21 to October 28. Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this eight-day festival will take place at the Farm Gate in Khanapara, welcoming visitors daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.

A senior official from the ministry highlighted that the event aims to bring together artisans from across the country, including those from northeastern states. Attendees can explore and purchase a variety of traditional products while supporting the artisans directly.

This year’s festival will feature 75 artisans, including 31 women, showcasing around 40 different types of handloom and handicraft items. The event serves as a platform for these artisans to display and sell their products, connect with potential customers, and enhance their market reach.

By promoting direct interaction between artisans and consumers, the festival seeks to strengthen market access, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve livelihood opportunities for participating artisans. Visitors will have the chance to appreciate India’s rich artistic traditions and cultural heritage through a diverse array of traditional crafts and handloom products.

The event also aims to honor and recognize the skills and creativity of artisans who help preserve traditional knowledge and craft practices. A key focus will be on promoting the ‘Bharat-Tulip’ initiative, which aims to assist targeted artisan groups in marketing their products through retail and e-commerce platforms.

The Shilpa Samagam Mela is part of a broader effort by the ministry, which includes support from three national corporations: the National Scheduled Caste 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 this festival, which took place in Mysuru, Karnataka, from October 19, attracted thousands of visitors, highlighting the growing interest in traditional crafts.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ the festival aims to empower artisans from marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), sanitation workers, and Denotified Tribes (DNT). It provides a dedicated platform for these communities to showcase their skills, market their products, and strengthen their economic self-reliance.

In addition to promoting the sale of traditional products, the festival will raise awareness about the welfare, financial assistance, and development schemes run by the ministry and its three national corporations. This initiative aims to combine financial and developmental support with market-oriented strategies, enabling artisans to transform their traditional arts and skills into better livelihood opportunities.

Through initiatives like the ‘Shilpa Samagam Mela,’ the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues its efforts toward the socio-economic empowerment of marginalized communities, fostering entrepreneurship, facilitating market access, and providing support for sustainable livelihoods. The festival is expected to enhance the visibility of participating artisans, increase awareness of their products, and strengthen public engagement with India’s rich handloom and handicraft traditions.