The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is organizing the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Guwahati, Assam, as the second edition in the Financial Year 2026-27 series. The 8-day event, running until October 28, is being held at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati, and remains open to the public from 11 AM to 9 PM daily.
The mela features 75 participating artisans, including 31 women artisans, displaying approximately 40 varieties of traditional handicrafts and handloom products from across India, with special representation from North-Eastern States. The event provides a platform for artisans to exhibit and sell products directly to visitors, establish customer connections, and expand market reach.
This initiative specifically supports artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Mitras, and Denotified Tribes through the Ministry's 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).
A key focus is promoting the BHARAT-TULIP (Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Programme) initiative, which facilitates marketing of artisans' products through physical outlets and e-commerce platforms to strengthen market linkages and expand customer outreach. The event also features traditional musical and dance performances by various artists.
The first edition of SSM 2026 concluded in Mysuru on October 19 at Dasara Exhibition Ground, attracting thousands of visitors over nine days. The mela aims to create awareness about welfare, financial assistance, and development schemes implemented by the Ministry and its corporations while promoting economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities for marginalized communities.