150-Year-Old Narsapur Crochet Craft Gets a Modern Makeover, Says RKPH Home’s Rajiv | IHGF Fair 2026

Greater Noida News (18/10/2026): India’s rich handicraft heritage is finding new markets through contemporary designs and innovative products. At the 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2026, traditional Narsapur crochet from Andhra Pradesh emerged as an example of how age-old craftsmanship can evolve to meet changing consumer preferences while preserving its cultural identity.

Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) from October 13 to 17 at the India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida, the fair brought together more than 3,000 exhibitors, 900 permanent showrooms and international buyers from around 100 countries. The event provided a major platform for Indian artisans, manufacturers and exporters to showcase their products and explore global business opportunities.

Speaking to Ten News Network, Rajiv of RKPH Home discussed the heritage of Narsapur crochet, the company’s expanding product portfolio and the growing potential of traditional Indian crafts in international markets.

Narsapur Crochet: A 150-Year-Old Craft Sustaining Women’s Livelihoods

Rajiv explained that Narsapur crochet is a nearly 150-year-old traditional craft believed to have been introduced to the region by Belgian people. Today, the craft supports the livelihoods of more than one lakh people, particularly women, who contribute to its intricate, handmade creations.

Recognised for its detailed workmanship, Narsapur crochet has also received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its distinctive regional identity and traditional value.

Historically, the craft was widely used to produce cushion covers, tablecloths and other home textile products. Over the years, however, changing market trends and consumer preferences have encouraged manufacturers to explore new applications for this intricate technique.

 

From Traditional Home Décor to Contemporary Fashion

Highlighting RKPH Home’s approach, Rajiv said the company has diversified its product range by blending traditional crochet techniques with modern designs. Alongside cushion covers and other home décor products, its collection now includes crochet bags and creatively designed cushions inspired by toys and playful shapes.

The strategy is aimed at making the craft more appealing to younger consumers while opening up new opportunities in the fashion and lifestyle segments.

Rajiv noted that RKPH Home works with importers and fashion brands across the United States and Europe. By adapting traditional crochet to contemporary tastes, the company seeks to preserve the craft’s heritage while making it relevant to a wider international audience.

The shift from conventional home textiles to modern accessories also demonstrates how traditional handicrafts can evolve beyond their established product categories and reach new customer segments.

Encouraging Response from International Buyers at IHGF Delhi Fair

Sharing his experience at the fair, Rajiv described the response to RKPH Home’s products as encouraging. He said the company was satisfied with both the number of visitors and the quality of buyers who visited its pavilion.

Although market conditions in the United States and certain European countries remain challenging, the fair provided an opportunity to connect with potential buyers, strengthen existing business relationships and explore fresh commercial prospects.

For handicraft exporters, such international trade platforms play an important role in understanding market demand, identifying emerging design trends and developing long-term relationships with overseas buyers.

EPCH’s Support Helps Keep Traditional Craftsmanship Alive

Rajiv also appreciated the role of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) in supporting the handicrafts sector, particularly its efforts to promote Narsapur crochet.

He highlighted the importance of training programmes, design seminars and entrepreneurship initiatives in encouraging more women to pursue the craft. Such initiatives, he said, can help attract younger generations and ensure that traditional skills continue to be passed on.

Preserving Narsapur crochet requires not only safeguarding its traditional techniques but also creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the artisans who practise it. Connecting heritage crafts with contemporary designs and international markets can help strengthen both their commercial value and cultural significance.

India Expo Centre & Mart Provides a Platform for Global Trade

Rajiv also praised the India Expo Centre & Mart for its convenient location, spacious layout and facilities, describing it as a suitable venue for international trade exhibitions.

The 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2026 brought together businesses from across the handicrafts and lifestyle sectors, offering exhibitors opportunities to showcase new collections and interact with buyers from different markets.

For RKPH Home, participation in the fair was an opportunity to present the evolving possibilities of Narsapur crochet to a global audience. The company’s approach reflects a broader effort within India’s handicrafts industry to combine traditional skills with modern design, strengthen artisan livelihoods and expand the reach of Indian craftsmanship internationally.

---

Dear Readers and Viewers, Please note that tennews.in: National News Portal daily publishes latest and top ten news from government, politics, national, business, education, technology, lifestyle, entertainment, health etc ten categories. You may submit your e mail and subscribe it to get updates on your e mail.  Please also subscribe TEN NEWS NATIONAL YouTube Channel.