NEW DELHI: With the support of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, the Art & Craft Development Institute is organizing ‘The Grand Expo 2026’ at the State Emporia Complex (Baba Kharak Singh Marg), located in Connaught Place, New Delhi. The national exhibition, dedicated to Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and the MSME sector, will continue until March 5, 2026. It is open to the public daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The expo was inaugurated by Jeet Ram Bhatt, Director of Dr. Goswami Giridhari Lal Prachya Ke Pratishthan, Government of Delhi. On the occasion, Mr. Bhatt stated that such national expos play a crucial role in empowering artisans, weavers, and small enterprises across the country. He emphasized that the event would not only promote indigenous products but also strengthen the resolve of the Viksit Bharat Mission, further reinforcing national unity and economic.
Anil Chaudhary, Delhi State President of the Republic Political Party, remarked that handicrafts and handlooms are integral to India’s cultural identity, and such events help local products gain global recognition. Dr. Ghanshyam Parashar, President of the Dr. Hahnemann Homeopathy Medical Research and Development Association, and Pandit Satish Sharma, President of the Rashtriya Swayam Mahasangh, also addressed the gathering.
Organized by the Art & Craft Development Institute, the expo is supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The Ministry aims to provide a global platform for the creativity of Indian artisans. Rajkumar Kashyap, Secretary of the Institute, informed that more than 60 MSME units from across the country are participating under the PMS scheme, with over 100 stalls showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary Indian crafts. He added that the event embodies the vision of “Local to Global,” offering artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs a strong platform to connect with wider markets.
Cultural programs are an integral part of the exhibition, reflecting India’s rich diversity. Performances include Garba, Maithili folk presentations, and Gujarati folk songs.
Artisans and weavers from several states—including Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Agra, Varanasi, Bhagalpur, Gujarat, Kolkata, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Maharashtra—are participating in the expo. Visitors can explore a wide range of products under one roof, including silk sarees, woolen shawls, Kashmiri suits, handloom textiles, blue pottery, Madhubani paintings, embroidered garments, wood and metal handicrafts, terracotta, pottery, handmade jewelry, decorative artifacts, and home décor items. This diversity stands as a vibrant testament to India’s cultural plurality and rich craft traditions.
Beyond product displays, the expo offers daily cultural performances from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring folk dances, music, and traditional showcases that immerse visitors in India’s artistic heritage.
A variety of traditional cuisines from different regions of the country further adds a culinary dimension to the celebration.
Pramila Tiwari, President of the Art & Craft Development Institute, stated that the organization has been actively engaged in marketing and social development for the past 25 years. It has successfully conducted marketing events in major cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Cochin, Nashik, Bilaspur, Noida, and Ghaziabad. She emphasized that the objective of the expo extends beyond product display—it aims to accelerate economic empowerment, employment generation, and preservation of traditional skills within artisan communities. The event’s success has been significantly supported by Coordinator Ranjana Chitkara and Manager Vikas Gaur, along with the presence of several distinguished guests.
‘The Grand Expo 2026’ is emerging as a comprehensive experience of Indian craftsmanship, culture, and entrepreneurship for residents of the capital as well as tourists from across India and abroad. Embodying the spirit of self-reliant India, the expo serves as a bridge between tradition and progress.
