Chhattisgarhi crafts echo in IHGF Fair 2026, Kondagaon artists spread the magic of their skills

Raipur : This year, a special glimpse of the traditional crafts of Chhattisgarh was seen in the prestigious IHGF Fair 2026 held in New Delhi. In this international fair organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts at India Expo Mart, New Delhi, in which thousands of wholesale buyers from India and abroad and more than 3000 exporters are present, the craftsmen of Kondagaon district attracted everyone’s attention by impressively displaying their excellent art. Buyers from America, Europe, Middle East and Asian countries visited various stalls and placed large orders for the products they liked by fixing prices on the spot. This provided a golden opportunity to local artisans to connect directly with the international market.

Through Jhitku Matki Producer Company Limited, Kondagaon, 12 selected artisans from the district displayed their handicraft products on the global platform. These artists got this important opportunity due to the initiative of Kondagaon MLA Lata Usendi and the district administration. In the fair, Padmashree awarded sculptor Pandi Ram Mandavi, wood craftsman Umesh Sahu of Dhamtari, National Award winning Dhokra artist Panchu Ram Sagar, Ramlal Mandavi, bamboo craftsman Manmohan Nag, wrought iron craftsman Nandlal Markam, mural painter Sarla Yadav and Santoshi Yadav and other artists exhibited their traditional artefacts. Their products particularly attracted foreign buyers and importers.

Wood craftsman Umesh Sahu of Dhamtari described it as an inspiring experience of his life and said that he got the opportunity to communicate directly with buyers from different countries on such a big platform. This helped in understanding what type of design, finishing and packaging is in demand in the foreign market. He said that if traditional crafts are presented with modern design and international quality, then the art of Chhattisgarh can create a distinct identity in the world market. During the fair, Chhattisgarh Crafts Board President Shalini Rajput also met the artisans and encouraged them. Union ministers and other officials also inspected the exhibition. Describing the initiative of the state government as a big achievement, the artists said that it not only gave them an opportunity to showcase their products at the global level but also gave them practical experience to understand the export process.

This event has opened doors to new opportunities for the artisans of Chhattisgarh. It not only became a platform for art display, but also proved to be a powerful step towards connecting with the global market. The artists expressed confidence that in the coming times, more artisans from the state will join the international platform and the rich handicraft tradition of Chhattisgarh will get new recognition at the global level.