Artefacts-2026 Concludes on a High Note at Jodhpur

On Jan 19, 2026

Jodhpur, Rajasthan 19th January 2026: The 2nd Edition of Handicrafts Expo (Artefacts)-2026, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) from 15th to 19th January 2026 at the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC), Boranada, Jodhpur, concluded today on an encouraging note with strong participation from trade visitors, buyers and consumers across the five-day event. The Expo served as a business-ready marketplace for India’s handcrafted home and lifestyle products, while celebrating the depth, authenticity and cultural resonance of the country’s craft traditions under the theme “The Magic of Gifted Hands.”

Sharing his thoughts on concluding day, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH said, “As Artefacts-2026 concludes, we are encouraged by the quality of buyer engagement, repeat visitor footfall and the consistent interest shown across categories. This edition has reinforced Artefacts as a meaningful marketplace where India’s craft excellence meets serious buying interest, while the ‘Magic of Gifted Hands’ is celebrated through authentic products and compelling craft stories. Now our focus remains on strengthening direct market linkages for artisans and exporters and building this into a long-term domestic platform that supports growth, innovation and livelihoods.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in role of Chief Mentor, EPCH & Chairman, IEML, informed, “Artefacts-2026 complements EPCH’s flagship export platforms by creating an additional domestic market channel that strengthens resilience for producers. The outcomes across five days reaffirm the value of regionally anchored shows like this in Jodhpur, an established sourcing base helping manufacturers diversify risk, expand India market reach and strengthen visibility across institutional, online and retail buying segments. Our endeavour is to keep building sustainable domestic demand linkages for export-quality handcrafted products through structured platforms and collaboration.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH shared that “The final day reaffirms what Artefacts stands for, strong sourcing activity, genuine buyer enquiries and encouraging conversions. Over the course of the Expo, participating manufacturers and craft enterprises engaged with a wide mix of visitors including domestic volume buyers, sourcing professionals, organised retail and e-commerce representatives, designers and hospitality buyers, resulting in sustained enquiries, negotiations and on-the-spot purchases.”

Nirmal Bhandari, Member CoA, EPCH added “The success of the closing day reflects the unique strength of Artefacts, business opportunity blended with cultural celebration. During the five days, around 12,500 visitors attended the fair. Apart from retail visitors and domestic volume buyers, hoteliers, architects, designers, e-tailers and lifestyle sector professionals, the expo also drew international interest, reinforcing the growing relevance of Indian handmade products across markets attended.”

“The Rajasthani folk dances, live musical performances by MO HIT Band and the fashion show by Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) created longer visitor engagement and repeat visits, directly benefiting exhibitors through sustained footfall”, He added further.

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH shared “We are grateful to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of India, for inaugurating the edition and also to Jogaram Patel, Cabinet Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Justice Department; Jaswant Singh Bishnoi, former Member of the Lok Sabha; Ravindra Singh Bhati, Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Sheo Constituency; Om Prakash, Commissioner of Police (Jodhpur) and other distinguished guests for their visits. Dignitaries’ interaction with the exhibitors, appreciation of the product display and the organising teams has been very encouraging indeed.

Rawat further added “Organising this fair had its own challenges but the support from members of Jodhpur region made it unfold beautifully and run its five days course as a unique representation of Rajasthan’s handicraft as well as cultural heritage. We are thrilled and encouraged by the response, especially the enthusiastic reception for our exhibitors, craftspeople and upcoming entrepreneurs.”