The Ministry of Rural Development, through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), is participating in Bharat Tex 2026 held from 14 to 17 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The participation showcases products and enterprises led by rural women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from across India, bringing Lakhpati Didis from different states to the global textile platform.
The showcase was inaugurated by Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, along with Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary for Rural Livelihoods, and Dr. Molishree, Director of DAY-NRLM. They interacted with participating Lakhpati Didis and viewed the diverse range of products on display.
The exhibition features traditional crafts and regional specialties including handweaving, Dhokra metalwork, Kolhapuri leather craft, jute craft, bamboo craft, woodcraft, beadwork, silk-thread jewellery, and sustainable water hyacinth craft. A key highlight is the Saras Shakti Collection, a premium gifting initiative under DAY-NRLM that curates high-quality handcrafted products from rural women SHGs into branded institutional gift collections. This initiative focuses on quality, craftsmanship, design, packaging, and market readiness while retaining regional identity and traditional knowledge.
DAY-NRLM has mobilized over 10 crore rural women into Self-Help Groups across India. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has achieved a milestone of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, with the government working toward a vision of creating 6 crore Lakhpati Didis. The participation at Bharat Tex 2026 provides rural women entrepreneurs with opportunities to present products on a global platform, engage with buyers and industry stakeholders, and explore wider market opportunities, reinforcing the government's commitment to strengthening women-led rural enterprises and preserving traditional skills.