Guwahati: The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, is organising Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, from 21 to 28 October 2026. The Mela will bring together artisans from across the country, including the North-Eastern States, to showcase India’s rich and diverse traditions of handicrafts and handloom products.
A total of 75 artisans, including 31 women artisans, will participate in the Mela, displaying approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products. The event will provide a platform for artisans to exhibit and market their products directly to visitors, connect with potential customers and explore opportunities for expanding their livelihoods.
The Mela aims to provide marketing support to artisans and beneficiaries associated with the three National Corporations functioning under the Ministry, namely 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).
Shilp Samagam Melas are organised as part of the Ministry’s efforts to promote the skills, products and entrepreneurial potential of artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis and other target groups associated with these National Corporations. In addition to providing market access, the Melas serve as a platform to create awareness about the welfare, financial assistance and development schemes of the Ministry and its three National Corporations.
The Guwahati edition will feature 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 offer visitors an opportunity to explore the country’s diverse artistic traditions, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
The Mela will also promote 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. The initiative seeks to strengthen market linkages, widen access to customers, enhance livelihood opportunities and support the preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
Through initiatives such as Shilp Samagam Mela, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to focus on empowering target communities by facilitating market access, encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Mela is expected to provide participating artisans with greater visibility for their products while offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate and support India’s rich handicraft and handloom heritage.