The ‘Vocal for Local’ mantra rang true in Guna, Madhya Pradesh, where the Handicraft Exhibition 2026 launched amid cheers, illustrating profound changes in artisans’ fortunes. On February 9 night, Collector Kishor Kumar Kanyal officially opened the venue at Pratap Hostel, joined by district panchayat CEO Abhishek Dubey and handicrafts experts from Gwalior.
A collaborative effort by the Government of India’s Textiles Ministry, MP Cooperative Federation Bhopal, and Handicrafts Development Commissioner, the expo boasts 50 vibrant stalls from 12 states. Highlights include jari work, embroidery, bamboo items, Kalamkari, lacquer meenakari, jewelry from Delhi-Agra, clay crafts, Talaab designs, MP bedspreads, torans, leather art, wooden toys, and traditional weaves from key cities.
During his walkthrough, Kanyal commended the displays and mandated visible credits to artisans and states. To reporters, he noted the interstate participation, especially from MP districts, and encouraged mass footfall for viewing and buying. Open till February 16, 2 PM-10 PM daily, it’s a call to action for community support.
Heartwarming tales emerged: Gujarat artisan Monu Gujarati’s gratitude to PM Modi for his turnaround; Banarasi Jalaluddin Ansari’s direct sales revolution; Jaipur’s Neeraj Saini’s earnings leap; Nagpur’s Shakun Thakur’s business boom from modest starts via loans; West Bengal’s Bappa Das and Sevasi De’s shift from arduous travel to steady markets.
Guna locals showered praise – Mahendra Nayak on art accessibility, Gayatri Sharma on employment-products synergy, Biplab Jain on self-reliance opportunities. Cooperation Deputy Mukesh Jain echoed the visit appeal, positioning the event as a vital promoter of India’s craft legacy amid economic empowerment.
Beyond commerce, the fair fosters cultural exchange, positioning local crafts on a global pedestal and validating government initiatives through real-life triumphs.