Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat Records Cumulative Sales of Over ₹ 88.36 Lakh, as of November 12, 2026; Highlighting Appreciation for Traditional Handicrafts, Indigenous Products And Growing Market Opportunities for Artisans
More Than 130 Stalls Across Seven Thematic Zones Showcase India's Rich Handloom, Handicraft and Cultural Heritage
Daily Cultural Performances Featuring Folk Dances, Traditional Music and Regional Art Forms Continue to Enthral Visitors
Mela to Continue Until November 15, Providing Artisans with Opportunities for Direct Consumer Engagement and Livelihood Promotion
Posted On:
13 NOV 2026 9:10PM by PIB Delhi
The ongoing Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat, INA, in the National Capital here, continues to witness an encouraging response from visitors, with cumulative sales reaching ₹88,36,416 (approximately ₹88.36 lakh) as of November 12, 2026.
The impressive sales performance reflects growing public appreciation for traditional handicrafts, handloom products and indigenous creations, while highlighting the Mela's role in providing meaningful market opportunities to artisans and entrepreneurs from beneficiary communities.
The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 will continue at Dilli Haat, INA, until November 15, 2026, offering visitors further opportunities to explore India's diverse handicraft traditions, interact with artisans and enjoy cultural performances.

Organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, the 15-day Mela has emerged as a vibrant platform celebrating India's rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence and traditional craftsmanship.

The event continues to attract families, young visitors, art enthusiasts and shoppers, offering them an opportunity to explore authentic handmade products while directly supporting the livelihoods of participating artisans.

A senior official of the Ministry said that the four participating National Corporations under the Ministry have collectively recorded sales of ₹88,36,416 up to November 12, 2026.
The encouraging sales figures underline the growing consumer interest in indigenous products and the importance of creating accessible marketing platforms for artisans belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged communities, he said.

The Official said the four participating corporations include 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).

He said the Mela features more than 130 stalls, showcasing a diverse collection of traditional handicrafts, handloom textiles, ethnic garments, decorative items, handmade accessories, lamps, home décor products and other indigenous creations.
Visitors are actively engaging with artisans, exploring traditional craftsmanship and purchasing products representing the distinctive cultural identities of different regions of the country, he further said.

The Official said the Mela has been organised around the theme ‘प्रकाश और परंपरा – ज्योति से ज्योति जलाएँ’, and designed around seven thematic zones — कला आँगन, प्रकाश चौक, पूजा पथ, सजावट बाज़ार, घराना, स्वाद चौक and मंच.
These zones bring together diverse elements of India's artistic and cultural traditions, offering visitors an immersive experience encompassing traditional crafts, festive decorations, regional culinary traditions and cultural performances, he said.

The Official said beyond its commercial significance, the Mela continues to provide a lively cultural experience through evening programmes featuring traditional music, folk dances and regional performances by artists from different States.
The cultural activities organised at the Manch have become a major attraction, drawing enthusiastic audiences and creating an atmosphere of celebration, cultural exchange and national unity, the Official added.





The Official said the performances highlight India's diverse artistic expressions and provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the richness of regional traditions.

The combination of traditional shopping experiences and cultural entertainment has transformed the Mela into a vibrant destination for families and visitors from different walks of life, he added.

The Official noted the Shilp Samagam Mela also serves as an important initiative for promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and socio-economic empowerment.

It provides artisans and beneficiaries belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamchari communities and persons with disabilities with opportunities to showcase their skills, establish direct connections with consumers and expand their market reach, he said.

To facilitate wider participation, the Ministry provides support in the form of free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances and transportation facilities for goods, the Official said.

These measures help reduce financial and logistical barriers, enabling participating artisans to concentrate on promoting their products, strengthening their enterprises and improving their livelihood opportunities, the Official remarked.

The Official said the growing sales and sustained public participation at the ongoing Mela demonstrate the significance of institutional support in connecting traditional artisans with wider consumer markets.

Such initiatives contribute to preserving indigenous craftsmanship while creating opportunities for economic independence, enterprise development and sustainable livelihoods, he added.

He said the initiative further complements efforts to promote market accessibility through platforms such as Bharat TULIP, which connects artisans with e-commerce opportunities, and Purple Fest, which celebrates the creativity, capabilities and contributions of persons with disabilities while encouraging greater inclusion and equal opportunities.

The Official said since 2022, the Ministry has been organising Shilp Samagam Melas to strengthen livelihood opportunities for artisans from beneficiary communities.

These initiatives have benefited more than 1,000 artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Safai Karmachari communities by providing platforms for exhibiting and marketing their products, promoting self-employment and encouraging entrepreneurship, he added.

Through its emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, inclusive market access, cultural celebration and livelihood promotion, Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 continues to advance the Ministry's commitment to socio-economic empowerment and the vision of an inclusive, self-reliant and Viksit Bharat.
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(Release ID: 2336047)
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