New Delhi: The Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dilli Haat has recorded cumulative sales of ₹55.46 lakh between November 1 and 8. The event, organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has drawn strong public interest and opened wider market opportunities for participating artisans.
The 15-day exhibition at Dilli Haat, INA, in New Delhi will continue until November 15. It provides artisans and beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis and persons with disabilities a platform to display and sell their products.
More than 130 stalls showcase handicrafts, handloom products, traditional textiles, festive decorations, lamps, home décor and indigenous creations. The exhibition is arranged across seven thematic zones, highlighting India’s artistic, cultural and culinary diversity.
The four participating corporations recorded the combined sales figure. They are 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 organised Shilp Samagam fairs since 2022. More than 1,000 artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Safai Karamchari communities have benefited from opportunities to exhibit and market their products. The initiative seeks to promote self-employment, entrepreneurship and socio-economic empowerment.
Free stalls and market access support participating artisans
The Ministry provides beneficiaries with free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowances and transportation for their goods. These facilities help reduce financial and logistical barriers. They also enable artisans to reach new customers and explore wider markets.
The exhibition also promotes market access through Bharat TULIP, which connects artisans with e-commerce platforms. In addition, Purple Fest highlights the creativity and capabilities of persons with disabilities. It promotes inclusion and equal opportunities.
The Mela follows the theme ‘प्रकाश और परंपरा – ज्योति से ज्योति जलाएँ’. Its seven zones are कला आँगन, प्रकाश चौक, पूजा पथ, सजावट बाज़ार, घराना, स्वाद चौक and मंच. Together, they present traditional crafts, cultural expressions and regional food.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar visited the exhibition. Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale and Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya also visited. Secretary of the Ministry Sudhansh Pant joined other senior officials.
During their visits, the dignitaries toured stalls and interacted with artisans. They appreciated the craftsmanship on display and reiterated the Government’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
Cultural programmes held every evening at the Manch form another major attraction. Artists and performing groups from different States present folk dances, traditional music and regional art forms. These performances bring diverse cultural traditions together and encourage regional exchange.
Families, young people and other visitors are exploring the stalls and supporting participating artisans. The exhibition offers them an opportunity to experience India’s cultural heritage while encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance among beneficiary communities.
