The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment successfully concluded the nine-day Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 at Dasara Exhibition Grounds in Mysuru, Karnataka, which attracted thousands of visitors. The mela featured 83 stalls, including 80 allotted to artisans from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, and Safai Karamcharis, with 37 of these stalls operated by women artisans. Artisans from 12 states and union territories participated, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
The exhibition showcased a wide range of traditional products including handicraft items, handloom sarees, spices, pickles, incense sticks, honey products, block-printed products, Kanjivaram sarees, leather goods, wooden toys, bags and purses, terracotta products, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall hangings, and bed and cushion covers. Food stalls serving traditional delicacies were also set up for visitors.
The Ministry provides comprehensive support to participating artisans, covering free stalls, travel expenses, daily allowance, transportation of goods, and meals including lunch and dinner. Since 2022, the Ministry has organized 13 such fairs benefiting 975 artisans, with the Mysuru edition being the first of financial year 2026-27. Additional Shilp Samagam fairs are planned for Guwahati, Dilli Haat in New Delhi, Jodhpur, and Lucknow during FY 2026-27.
The Ministry also introduced the BHARAT TULIP (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) to expand market access through digital platforms in India and abroad, with products branded as BHARAT TULIP to enhance visibility and facilitate online sales. The Ministry and its three national corporations—NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC—will also participate in major exhibitions including the India International Trade Fair 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi from November 14-27, 2026, and the Surajkund Mela in Faridabad in February 2027.
Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale and Union Secretary Sudhansh Pant visited the mela, highlighting the government's commitment to economic and social empowerment of vulnerable sections. The initiative aims to strengthen market linkages, promote traditional craftsmanship, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and preserve India's diverse cultural heritage while disseminating information about available assistance schemes and development opportunities.