The Nine Days Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 successfully concluded with thousands of people visiting Dasara Exhibition Grounds at Mysuru in Karnataka. The Mela was organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

The Mela aimed to provide a marketing platform for traditional handicraft and handloom products made by beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Safai Karamcharis, including artisans supported by the three National Corporations functioning under the Ministry,

namely the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

Deputy General Manager in the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) Shri Rajnish Banker said the initiative sought to strengthen market linkages for artisans, promote traditional craftsmanship and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the target groups.

He said the Ministry has been organising Shilp Samagam Melas since 2022, and 975 artisans have been benefited through 13 such fairs organised so far.

Shri Banker said the Mysuru edition was the first Shilp Samagam Mela of the financial year 2026–27.

The Official said a total of 83 stalls had been put up at the Mela, out of which 80 were allotted to artisans, including 37 women artisans. Food stalls serving traditional delicacies had also been set up for visitors.

The Mela featured artisans from 12 States and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Puducherry, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, he added.

The DGM informed that the exhibition showcased a wide range of traditional products, including handicraft items, handloom sarees, spices, pickles, incense sticks, honey products, block-printed products, Kanjivaram sarees, leather goods, wooden toys, bags and purses, terracotta products, artificial jewellery, rosewood wall hangings, and bed and cushion covers.