Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 records sales of Rs 55.46 lakh at Dilli Haat, showcases artisans’ craftsmanship

The ongoing Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, in the national capital, has recorded cumulative sales of approximately ₹55.46 lakh between November 1 and 8, reflecting strong public response and growing market opportunities for artisans from disadvantaged communities.

Organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the 15-day fair will continue until November 15. It provides a platform for artisans and beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Safai Karamcharis and persons with disabilities to showcase and market their products to a wider audience.

The sales were recorded by four participating corporations: the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) and National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC).

The Ministry has been organising Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022. Over the years, more than 1,000 artisans from SC, OBC and Safai Karamchari communities have benefited from opportunities to exhibit and sell their products. The initiative aims to promote self-employment, encourage entrepreneurship and support the socio-economic empowerment of beneficiary communities.

Organised around the theme ‘प्रकाश और परंपरा – ज्योति से ज्योति जलाएँ’, the current edition features more than 130 stalls across seven thematic zones: कला आँगन, प्रकाश चौक, पूजा पथ, सजावट बाज़ार, घराना, स्वाद चौक and मंच. The exhibition showcases a wide range of handicrafts, handloom products, traditional textiles, festive decorations, lamps, home décor items and other indigenous creations.

To help beneficiaries participate, the Ministry provides free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances and transportation facilities for their goods. These measures are intended to reduce financial and logistical barriers and enable artisans to reach new customers and markets.

The fair also promotes wider market access through initiatives such as Bharat TULIP, which connects artisans with e-commerce platforms, and Purple Fest, which highlights the creativity and capabilities of persons with disabilities while encouraging inclusion and equal opportunities.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar, Minister of State Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya, and Secretary of the Ministry Sudhansh Pant have visited the Mela. They toured the stalls, appreciated the craftsmanship and interacted with participating artisans, reiterating the government’s focus on inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Cultural programmes held every evening at the Mela’s Manch are another major attraction. Artists and performers from different states present folk dances, traditional music and regional art forms, offering visitors an opportunity to experience India’s cultural diversity on a common platform.

The fair has been drawing families, young visitors and other members of the public, who are exploring traditional products while supporting artisans and their efforts towards entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and self-reliance.

(PIB)

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