The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is organizing the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 series, with the Guwahati edition currently underway at Farm Gate, Khanapara from October 21 to October 28. The event is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM and has attracted several thousand visitors over its first five days.
A total of 75 artisans are participating, including 31 women artisans, displaying approximately 40 varieties of traditional handicrafts and handloom products from different regions of India, with significant representation from North-Eastern States. The mela provides a platform for direct sales between artisans and consumers, generating income for participants while strengthening market access and livelihood opportunities.
The event promotes the BHARAT-TULIP (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) initiative aimed at facilitating marketing of products through both physical outlets and e-commerce platforms. This initiative seeks to strengthen market linkages, expand customer outreach, and create additional earning opportunities for artisans while supporting preservation of traditional arts and crafts.
The mela specifically supports artisans and beneficiaries associated with three National Corporations: National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), and National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC). It promotes economic empowerment of artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Mitras, and Denotified Tribes, guided by the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas".
In addition to commercial activities, the event features traditional musical and dance performances by artists from North Eastern States and creates awareness about welfare, financial assistance, and development schemes implemented by the Ministry and its three National Corporations. The first edition of SSM 2026 concluded in Mysuru on October 19 after a nine-day run at Dasara Exhibition Ground.