The 61st edition of the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts (IHGF) Delhi Spring Fair opened with an inaugural preview at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, offering global buyers a glimpse of export-ready collections across home décor, furniture, fashion accessories and lifestyle products.
The five-day business-to-business (B2B) exhibition will host buyers and exhibitors from across the world, positioning India’s handicraft sector on the global trade map.
Boost for Artisans and Global Market Expansion
Union Textile Minister Giriraj Singh, who inaugurated the event, emphasised strengthening direct linkages between small artisans, weavers and global markets through a hub-and-export model. He said the initiative aims to expand India’s footprint in European markets and boost handloom and handicraft exports.
Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the bi-annual fair represents more than 10,000 manufacturers and exporters from across the country.
Special Focus on Furniture and Regional Crafts
This year’s edition features a strong focus on furniture, with over 350 exhibitors presenting contemporary and traditional designs. Crafts from Bihar and Chhattisgarh are in the spotlight, highlighting regional artistry and innovation.
EPCH Chairman Dr Neeraj Khanna said the fair provides global buyers an opportunity to explore India’s design diversity, materials and craftsmanship across home and lifestyle categories.
Trade Agreements Open New Opportunities
Industry leaders noted that recent international trade agreements, including those with the UK and the European Union, are expected to enhance market access for Indian hand3icrafts in Europe and other regions.
The fair also features a dedicated trend booth, curated collections from handloom weavers of the North-East, and the Young Designers’ Collective. The latter showcases emerging talent from premier institutions such as NID Ahmedabad, NIFT and the Royal College of Art, London.
A Platform for Innovation and Heritage
As India’s largest handicrafts trade fair, IHGF continues to serve as a key platform connecting artisans, designers, exporters and international buyers — blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design for global markets.
