Gandhi Shilp Bazaar 2026 Showcases Northeast’s Rich Handloom and Handicraft Heritage in Itanagar

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ITANAGAR, October 24 : The rich handloom, handicraft and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India is on display at Gandhi Shilp Bazaar 2026, which was inaugurated at Mopin Solung Ground, Itanagar, on Saturday.

Organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC), in association with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the ten-day bazaar will continue until November 2, 2026.

The inauguration was attended by Mara Kocho, Managing Director, NEHHDC; Hara Kanta Baro, Regional Director (North Eastern Region), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts); and the Senior Assistant Director of the Handicrafts Service Centre, Itanagar.

Featuring 56 stalls, the Itanagar edition provides a common platform for artisans, weavers and craftspersons to showcase their products, connect with potential buyers and explore wider market opportunities.

The bazaar highlights the diverse traditional textiles, indigenous crafts, hand-woven products and artistic practices that reflect the cultural identity of Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states.

Gandhi Shilp Bazaar aims to bring traditional craftsmanship closer to the public by providing visitors with an opportunity to explore and purchase handmade products while learning about the skills and cultural traditions behind them.

Handlooms and handicrafts represent more than everyday products, carrying the artistic expressions, traditional knowledge and cultural stories of the communities that create them. Preserving these practices is essential to safeguarding the region’s cultural heritage and passing traditional skills on to future generations.

The participation of artisans from across the region also reflects the diversity of Northeast India’s craft traditions, offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate different artistic styles and indigenous practices under one roof.

Beyond cultural preservation, the bazaar seeks to strengthen livelihood opportunities for artisans and weavers by enabling them to present their creations directly to consumers and potential buyers. Greater visibility and market access can help craftspersons expand their businesses, sustain traditional occupations and promote entrepreneurship within their communities.

Through initiatives such as Gandhi Shilp Bazaar, NEHHDC and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) seek to encourage wider appreciation of handmade products while supporting the artisans who continue to preserve and promote the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The bazaar will remain open to visitors at Mopin Solung Ground, Itanagar, until November 2, providing an opportunity to explore the region’s traditional crafts and support local artisans.