New Delhi, Oct 27 (PTI) The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026, showcasing India’s traditional crafts, festive lighting and cultural heritage, will be held at Dilli Haat, INA, here from November 1 to 15, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said on Tuesday.
The fortnight-long mela, themed ‘Prakash aur Parampara — Jyoti Se Jyoti Jalaen’, will showcase artisan products, traditional craftsmanship, live craft demonstrations and cultural programmes through seven thematic zones.
The mela aims to provide aspirational groups and communities a platform to showcase their creativity, talent and traditional craftsmanship, while creating opportunities to market their products to a wider audience, the ministry said.
Since 2022, Shilp Samagam Melas have benefited more than 1,000 artisans, it said.
This year, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will organise Shilp Utsav together for the first time, with approximately 150 stalls under Bharat TULIP and Purple Fest, the ministry said.
The collaboration will bring together traditional artisans, creative talent and inclusive participation on a shared platform, it added.
The mela will feature seven thematic zones. ‘Kala Aangan’ will host live craft demonstrations, ‘Prakash Chowk’ will showcase lamps and lights, ‘Puja Path’ will present devotional products, ‘Sajawat Bazaar’ will focus on home decor, ‘Gharana’ will feature textiles and fashion, ‘Swaad Chowk’ will offer food, and ‘Manch’ will host cultural activities and performances.
Bharat TULIP (Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Programme) is an initiative to market products made by aspirational groups for consumers in India and abroad through e-commerce platforms. It aims to support economic empowerment while contributing to the preservation of traditional arts and crafts, the ministry said.
Purple Fest is a multidimensional celebration of disability, creativity, talent and equal participation. It brings together persons with disabilities, organisations, institutions, businesses, artists, professionals and other stakeholders to celebrate achievements, encourage participation and promote greater understanding of inclusion, it said.
Through the mela, the ministry seeks to provide greater visibility to traditional artisans and their products while celebrating India’s rich cultural heritage and encouraging wider public engagement with craftsmanship, creativity and inclusive participation. PTI ADI MNK
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