In a vibrant celebration of India’s rich artisanal heritage, the ‘Handicraft Exhibition 2026’ kicked off in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, showcasing how the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative is reshaping lives. Launched on February 9 evening at Pratap Hostel, the event was inaugurated by District Collector Kishor Kumar Kanyal, drawing artisans from across the nation.
Supported by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, alongside the Madhya Pradesh State Cooperative Federation and the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, the expo features around 50 stalls brimming with diverse crafts. From Hyderabad’s iconic Kalamkari to Jaipur’s intricate Meenakari pendants, Agra’s jewelry, Bengal’s terracotta, and Madhya Pradesh’s beadwork and torans, the display is a tapestry of regional excellence.
Artisans from states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal have converged, presenting jute bags, embroidery, bamboo crafts, leather art, wooden toys from Burhanpur, and Banarasi sarees. Collector Kanyal, while touring the stalls, praised the craftsmanship and instructed organizers to prominently display artisans’ names and their states, emphasizing transparency and pride.
Speaking to the media, Kanyal urged Guna residents to visit, appreciate, and purchase these handmade treasures. ‘This isn’t just a market; it’s a bridge to our cultural legacy,’ he remarked. The expo runs until February 16, open daily from 2 PM to 10 PM.
Stories of transformation abound. Monu Gujarati from Gujarat, now in Gwalior, credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for turning his fortunes around. ‘Life was tough before; now I have a platform,’ he shared. Jalaluddin Ansari from Banaras highlighted direct customer access, bypassing middlemen, boosting his Banarasi saree business.
Neeraj Kumar Saini from Jaipur saw his income soar, while Shakun Thakur from Nagpur scaled her venture from Rs 7,000 to Rs 4 lakh with government loans aiding raw material procurement. Bappa Das and Sevasi De from West Bengal echoed sentiments of easier market reach, replacing village-to-village peddling with steady sales.
Local visitors like Mahendra Nayak and Gayatri Sharma lauded the event for promoting employment and quality products. ‘Vocal for Local empowers creators and consumers alike,’ said Biplab Jain. Deputy Commissioner of Cooperation Mukesh Jain called on the public to support this showcase of traditional arts, fostering national pride and economic growth.