Itanagar, Oct 24: The rich handloom, handicraft and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India took centre stage at the inauguration of Gandhi Shilp Bazaar 2026 at Mopin Solung Ground, Itanagar today. The ten-day showcase, being organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd. (NEHHDC) in association with the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will continue until November 2. 
It was inaugurated in the presence of Mara Kocho, Managing Director, NEHHDC, and Hara Kanta Baro, Regional Director (North Eastern Region), Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), along with the Senior Assistant Director of the Handicrafts Service Centre, Itanagar.
The showcase is an initiative to celebrate the region's diverse cultural traditions and provide artisans, weavers and craftspersons with greater opportunities to showcase their products to a wider audience. With 56 stalls listed for the Itanagar edition, the event brings attention to the distinctive handloom and handicraft traditions that form an important part of the region's cultural identity and traditional livelihoods.
Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India are home to a remarkable range of traditional textiles, indigenous crafts, hand-woven products and artistic practices shaped by the knowledge, creativity and skills of local communities. These traditions reflect the region's rich cultural diversity and have been preserved and passed down through generations.
Gandhi Shilp Bazaar seeks to bring this heritage closer to the public by providing a common platform where traditional products can be displayed, appreciated and purchased. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the region's craftsmanship, discover distinctive handmade products and gain a deeper appreciation of the traditions and skills behind them.
The showcase is an effort to celebrate the cultural identity of Arunachal Pradesh and Northeast India while creating greater public awareness of the artisans and communities who continue to keep these traditions alive. By bringing together the region's creative expressions in one place, the bazaar provides an opportunity to recognise the value of traditional craftsmanship and encourage wider appreciation of handmade products.
A major focus of Gandhi Shilp Bazaar is to provide artisans and weavers with opportunities to present their creations directly to consumers and potential buyers. For many craftspersons, access to new markets and visibility beyond their immediate communities are important steps towards sustaining their livelihoods and expanding their businesses.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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