Mysuru: The nine-day ‘Shilpa Samagama Mela-2026’, organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, concluded successfully at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru, attracting thousands of visitors to its showcase of traditional handicrafts, handloom products and regional specialities.
The fair aimed to provide marketing opportunities to artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and sanitation worker communities. Participants supported by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) showcased their products at the event.
A total of 83 stalls were set up, of which 80 were allotted to artisans. Women artisans managed 37 stalls. Participants from 12 states and Union Territories, including Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry, took part in the fair.
Traditional crafts and regional products on display
The exhibition featured a wide range of products, including handloom and Kanjeevaram sarees, block-printed items, leather goods, wooden toys, terracotta artefacts, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall décor, bags, bedsheets, cushion covers, spices, pickles, incense and honey. Stalls offering traditional food items were also among the attractions.
According to Rajneesh Banker, deputy general manager of NBCFDC, 13 Shilpa Samagama fairs have been organised across the country since 2022, benefiting 975 artisans. The Mysuru edition was the first such fair organised during the 2026-27 financial year.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale visited the fair, inspected the stalls and viewed products made by the participating artisans. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to the economic and social empowerment of vulnerable communities.
To encourage participation, the ministry provides artisans with free stalls and assistance towards travel expenses, daily allowances, transportation of goods and meals, enabling them to display and sell their products without bearing the usual participation costs.
BHARAT TULIP initiative to expand market access
Through the BHARAT TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme) initiative, the ministry aims to expand market access for traditional artisans through domestic and international digital platforms. Products are branded under the BHARAT TULIP name to promote online sales.
The initiative seeks to strengthen artisans’ livelihoods and entrepreneurship while helping preserve India’s traditional crafts and artistic heritage.
