The ‘Indie Haat 2026’ event, which celebrates India’s extensive handloom and handicraft traditions, has been organized by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) within the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. This initiative is part of a larger effort associated with Bharat Tex 2026.
Running from July 10 to July 19, 2026, Indie Haat 2026 is designed to complement Bharat Tex 2026, the nation’s largest global textile event set to take place from July 14 to July 17, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, visited the exhibition today.
Accompanying him were Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, IAS, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, along with other senior officials from the Ministry, members of the Bharat Tex Steering Committee, and various artisans and trade visitors.
During his address, Shri Giriraj Singh emphasized the importance of India’s handlooms and handicrafts as vital representations of the nation’s heritage, creativity, and the exceptional skills of its artisans. He stated, “Indie Haat 2026 serves as a crucial platform for showcasing this rich legacy to both national and international audiences, particularly to buyers attending Bharat Tex 2026. Initiatives like this bolster the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local by enhancing visibility and market access for artisans and craft enterprises across the country.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to empowering artisans and weavers through various means such as design support, market linkages, digital promotion, and global exposure. By integrating India’s traditional crafts into the broader textile value chain, Indie Haat aims to connect heritage with modern markets, facilitating the reach of these craft products to consumers worldwide.
This special initiative has been carefully curated by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to highlight India’s exceptional craftsmanship in a modern and engaging way. The event features handcrafted and handwoven items from 48 artisans and weavers, along with 12 design-focused handicraft and handloom brands established by NIFT alumni, representing a wide array of craft traditions from across the country.
Displayed crafts include Gulabi Minakari, Stone Inlay, Dokra metal craft, musical instruments, manuscript painting, bone inlay on wood, Usta Kala, Pichwai art, Sozni embroidery, Molela clay craft, Blue Pottery from Jaipur, silver filigree, Cheriyal painting, Mysore traditional painting, rosewood inlay, Mata Ni Pachedi, agate craft, papier-mâché, Batik painting, candle making, sandalwood craft, Shola pith, Kantha embroidery, Bagru Block Print, Jamdani sarees, Pine Needle Craft, Muga and Eri Silk, and Ikat from Odisha.
Attendees will also have the chance to observe live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, which will provide an immersive experience of India’s long-standing craftsmanship. These demonstrations are anticipated to foster a deeper appreciation among visitors for the skill, time, and cultural knowledge integral to each handcrafted item.
Bharat Tex 2026 will cover an extensive area of 1.6 million square feet, presenting over 20,000 textile products. The event is projected to draw more than 7,000 international buyers and approximately 130,000 visitors, including policymakers, global CEOs, and industry leaders.
Indie Haat 2026 is poised to act as a significant link between India’s traditional craft sectors and international markets. By positioning handicrafts and handlooms within the broader textile value chain, this initiative further reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to fostering artisan-led growth, preserving cultural heritage, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) remains dedicated to supporting artisans, enhancing design and market development efforts, establishing buyer connections, and promoting India’s handcrafted products in both domestic and international arenas.
