October 27, 2026, The 93rd Craftroots Handicraft Exhibition opened in Kanpur on October 23, bringing together more than 90 artisans from 22 Indian states to showcase traditional crafts, handmade products and regional art forms. Inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, the five-day exhibition is being held at the Convention Centre in Chunniganj and runs through October 27.
Organised by Gramshree and Craftroots, the exhibition aims to promote India’s handicraft heritage, connect artisans directly with consumers and expand market opportunities for traditional handmade products. The event features a diverse collection of regional crafts, including Firozabad glasswork from Uttar Pradesh, Kosa silk from Chhattisgarh, Bagh prints from Madhya Pradesh and Pattachitra art from West Bengal.
The exhibition also offers live craft demonstrations and retail opportunities, enabling visitors to observe traditional production techniques and purchase handmade items at prices starting from ₹50.
90 Artisans Showcase India’s Regional Craft Heritage
The 93rd Craftroots Handicraft Exhibition brings together craftspeople representing 22 states, highlighting the diversity of India’s traditional artistic practices. The participating artisans are presenting handmade products that reflect regional identities, specialised techniques and generations of craftsmanship.
The exhibition provides a platform for artisans to introduce their work to a wider audience while helping visitors discover craft traditions from different parts of the country. By bringing multiple regional art forms together at one venue, the event encourages cultural exchange and increases public awareness of India’s handicraft sector.
Among the featured products are Firozabad glasswork, known for its association with Uttar Pradesh’s glassmaking industry; Kosa silk, a traditional textile associated with Chhattisgarh; Bagh prints from Madhya Pradesh; and Pattachitra, a traditional painting style associated with West Bengal.
These craft traditions represent different materials, artistic approaches and production methods. Their presence at the exhibition allows visitors to explore the variety of skills that contribute to India’s handmade product industry.
Governor Anandiben Patel Inaugurates the Exhibition
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel inaugurated the exhibition on October 23 and interacted with participating artisans during her visit. She learned about their creative processes and appreciated their efforts to preserve traditional skills and craftsmanship.
Her interaction with the artisans highlighted the importance of supporting craftspeople through better market access, fair prices, training and wider recognition. These measures can help strengthen artisan livelihoods and encourage younger generations to continue traditional art forms.
For many craftspeople, access to customers beyond their immediate communities can be an important factor in sustaining their businesses. Exhibitions provide opportunities to display products, explain their cultural significance and engage directly with prospective buyers.
The Kanpur event brings these objectives together by providing artisans with a shared platform to present their work and connect with consumers interested in handmade products.
Live Demonstrations Give Visitors a Closer Look at Craftsmanship
Live demonstrations are among the key features of the 93rd Craftroots Handicraft Exhibition. Visitors can observe traditional techniques and gain a better understanding of the work involved in creating finished products.
Demonstrations help explain the skills, processes and attention to detail behind different craft forms. They also create opportunities for artisans to communicate the knowledge associated with their work directly to the public.
The exhibition combines these demonstrations with the sale of handmade products, allowing visitors to purchase items while supporting the craftspeople responsible for producing them.
With prices starting at ₹50, the event offers a range of accessible purchasing opportunities. The exhibition’s retail component also provides a direct connection between artisans and consumers, bringing handmade products into a setting where buyers can learn about their origins and production.
Gramshree and Craftroots Promote Artisan Livelihoods
Gramshree and Craftroots are organising the exhibition as part of their efforts to promote Indian handicrafts and create livelihood opportunities for craftspeople.
Craftroots works to connect artisans with consumers and encourage appreciation of traditional handmade products. Platforms such as the Kanpur exhibition help bring regional crafts into the public domain and provide opportunities for artisans to present their work to new audiences.
The participation of artisans from 22 states gives the exhibition a broad national character. Rather than focusing on a single craft category, the event brings together different artistic traditions, materials and regional specialities under one roof.
This approach also enables visitors to compare products, discover unfamiliar art forms and learn about the cultural heritage associated with different crafts.
Market Access Remains Important for India’s Handicraft Sector
The exhibition highlights a central challenge for traditional artisans: connecting specialised craftsmanship with sustainable market opportunities.
Many handmade products require considerable skill and time to produce. Access to customers, appropriate pricing, training and public recognition can help craftspeople sustain their livelihoods while preserving traditional techniques.
Consumer-facing exhibitions offer one route for addressing these needs. They allow artisans to display products in person, explain their work and receive direct responses from potential buyers.
Events such as the 93rd Craftroots Handicraft Exhibition also help introduce traditional crafts to younger audiences. Live demonstrations and opportunities to interact with artisans can make these practices more accessible to visitors who may be unfamiliar with the processes involved.
The exhibition’s emphasis on regional diversity further demonstrates how handicrafts contribute to India’s cultural identity and provide economic opportunities across different communities.
Kanpur Exhibition Concludes Its Five-Day Programme on October 27
The 93rd Craftroots Handicraft Exhibition is scheduled to run from October 23 to October 27 at the Convention Centre in Chunniganj, Kanpur. Its programme combines displays of traditional crafts, live demonstrations and opportunities to purchase handmade products directly from participating artisans.
With more than 90 artisans from 22 states, the exhibition provides a platform for showcasing India’s diverse craft traditions while encouraging consumer engagement and supporting artisan livelihoods.
The event brings regional craftsmanship to a wider audience and reinforces the role of exhibitions in promoting traditional skills, cultural exchange and market access for handmade products.
Author: Exhibition Globe News Desk
