49th edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair goes virtual

Dimapur, June 30 (EMN): The 49th edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (IHGF) -Delhi, which is said to be recognised by Limca Book of World’s records as the world’s largest congregation of handicrafts exporters under one roof, will go virtual this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This was informed by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Kohima through an update on Tuesday.

The EPCH has introduced digital platform of virtual fair and the 49th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair will be launched on virtual platform from July 13 to the 18th in view of the restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, EPCH chairman Ravi K Passi informed.

Passi said that ‘India’s diversity is very well reflected in the wide range of handicrafts products produced in every nook and corner of the country with over seven million artisans engaged in production and also earning much needed foreign exchange for the country. The handicrafts sector makes use of the indigenous raw material with minimal import content and low capital investment keeping the tradition of magic of gifted hands alive’.

As a precursor to the upcoming mega fair, the EPCH organised two products specific shows on Indian fashion jewellery and accessories from June 1 to the 4th and IHGF Textiles Virtual fair from June 15 to the 18th. The update informed that the two events attracted 2700 overseas buyers, besides buying agents, wholesalers and retailers and combined business enquiries of more than INR 400 crore.

‘Product categories such as houseware, bathroom accessories, lawn, garden ornaments and accessories, lamps, lighting and accessories, furniture, furniture hardware and accessories, home furnishing and madeups, carpets, rugs and floorings, fashion jewellery and accessories, decorative, gifts including corporate gifts, Christmas and festive décor, hand-made paper, gift wraps and ribbons including soft toys and candles, incense sticks, potpourri, aromatics, yoga, meditation and healing items will be on display by more than 1500 member exporters of the Council in the 49th edition of the show,’ informed the update.

“Though it’s a new platform, it is expected that large numbers of overseas buyers from across the globe which includes wholesalers, distributors, chain stores, departmental stores, retailers, mail order companies, brand owners, buying houses and designers and trend forecasters will be visiting the show to source their requirement. For inviting buyers, EPCH has done exclusive publicity through emailers, online banners, social media, tele calling and by also involving Indian missions and embassies abroad to promote the show,” said Rakesh Kumar, director general of EPCH.

Kumar further informed that EPCH has made efforts to match the features of the physical fair in which themes used to be set up. On virtual platform special thematic participation to showcase the crafts of North Eastern Region (NER) and Jammu and Kashmir will also be set up.

He went on to inform that the handicrafts exports during the year 2019-20 was INR 25,027.08 crore.

“In the NER pavilion, more than 20 artisans and entrepreneurs will be displaying sustainable eco-friendly crafts made from natural materials such as cane and bamboo, terracotta, natural fibres, eri silk, muga silk, black pottery etc. available in abundant in NER region,” the update read.

India’s North Eastern Region consisting eight states — Assam, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura — is one of the richest in terms of eco-friendly crafts. Due to constant efforts of EPCH, exports from the region has reached to the tune of was INR 1,323.39 crore in 2018-19 and efforts are still on to enhance the export from this region by bringing entrepreneurs to participate in this edition of the show, the update stated.

Models adorning products sourced from the exhibitors of the show will also be showcasing through Fashion shows during this year’s virtual fair.