Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh inaugurates IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026

Delhi/NCR – 13th February 2026 – The 61st edition of IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026, being organised from 14th to 18th February 2026 by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and hosted at the state-of-the-art India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida had a grand prelude and inauguration today.

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, Govt. of India inaugurated the fair. He appreciated the first impression of the fair.

The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML; Avdhesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor, EPCH; Mohit Chopra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026; Anand Jalan, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026; Members COA, EPCH – Ravi K Passi, Raj Kumar Malhotra, O.P. Prahladka, Prince Mallik, Rajesh Jain, K. N Tulasi Rao, Varun Sharma, Salman Azam, Rohit Dhall, Pradip Muchhala, Naresh Bothra, Zeeshan Ali, Naved Ur Rehman, Ms. Rashim Duggal; Najmul Islam, Patron, Artisan Welfare Society, Anuj Ojha, Joint DC, O/o Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles; Leading member exporters of EPCH: Radhe Shyam Ranga, Karan Patel, Rajendra Gupta, Tanya Bhatia and Rajesh Rawat Executive Director, EPCH were present.

Giriraj Singh expressed pride in being associated with this globally acclaimed platform that showcases India’s rich handicraft heritage. He congratulated EPCH for transforming the fair into a premier international sourcing destination that attracts buyers, designers and industry leaders from across the world. He also commended the India Expo Centre & Mart for shaping up as a prime international venue for leading trade congregations.

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Textiles, Govt. of India, in his address during the ‘poorvalokan’ of the 61st IHGF Delhi Fair said that “the government is very focused on the development and progress of the Handicrafts sector and the well-being of artisans across India. “We all must work together to see that each artisan is able to earn Rs 5 lacs per annum. We have targeted 40 new markets and expect to reach an export target of 60,000 crores in times to come.”

“The Hon’ble minister lauded the efforts of EPCH the handicraft sector and specially complimented Dr Rakesh Kumar as being a force in himself, as he compliments the government and the industry. He also recognised Moradabad the biggest hub for handicraft exports and Jaipur too that has a long legacy. He also emphasized on nurturing the crafts and weaves of the North Eastern states and to realise them to potential”.

Dr Rakesh Kumar thanked the Minister for always recognizing, encouraging and standing by the handicrafts sector.

Thanking the distinguished guests for their presence and encouraging words, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH said, “With support and guidance from the Government and its timely interventions, the Indian handicrafts sector continues to flourish. IHGF Delhi Fair’s international reach and its unique ability to connect entrepreneurs, exporters and artisans inspire strong confidence among overseas buyers in the quality, design excellence and global marketability of Indian products. Each edition, perfected over time, opens new avenues for business by forging fresh buyer relationships and presenting an expanded and diverse product spectrum. The fair also showcases exclusive, one-of-a-kind creations that beautifully blend craftsmanship, tradition and innovation—timeless treasures rooted in India’s rich heritage yet perfectly aligned with contemporary global lifestyles.”

Welcoming exhibitors to the 61st edition of IHGF Delhi Fair, being hosted at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML said, “The event stands among the largest and most prestigious trade fairs in the country, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and resilience of our member exporters who have been presenting their distinctive craftsmanship to the world for nearly three decades. With its strong international appeal, the fair continues to serve as a dynamic platform for meaningful trade engagement and sustained business growth. The well-appointed India Centre too has grown over time to fulfil its mandate of exhibition excellence. Further enriching the sourcing experience are our 900 permanent Mart showrooms, owned by some of India’s leading handicraft exporters, actively adding variety and leveraging the export opportunities that the IHGF Delhi Fair brings, building sustainable, year-round business linkages with international buyers.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH added, “Given the preparations, we anticipate a great fair. Evolving in step with global sourcing trends and shifting buyer expectations, this edition showcases greater product diversity, deeper buyer–seller engagement and a pronounced focus on design-led, value-added offerings. Together, these elements further strengthen IHGF Delhi Fair’s standing as a preferred global sourcing destination for home, lifestyle, fashion, furniture and the entire spectrum of handicrafts. Buyers can anticipate immersive product presentations by verified manufacturers, cutting-edge design concepts, curated theme pavilions, artisan-led displays, live craft demonstrations, knowledge-driven sessions and dynamic networking zones, each thoughtfully curated to foster meaningful interactions and enable informed sourcing decisions.”

Informing about the exhibitor base and sector’s representation at the IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026,  Avdhesh Agarwal, Chief Convenor shared, “Over the years, our handicraft sector has progressively modernised to align with evolving global market dynamics. Today, Indian exhibitors are distinctly future-ready—embracing sustainability, digital integration and contemporary design perspectives. Driven by innovation, creativity and superior craftsmanship, the fair presents importers, distributors, retailers, designers and sourcing professionals with an exceptional platform to discover new collections, identify emerging trends and forge meaningful, long-term business partnerships.”

“We are ready for business!” exclaimed Mohit Chopra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026 Reception Committee and added that holding a prelude to the fair proves not just that but also our readiness before we actually open the fair for business. “The Council, in close coordination with the Fair Reception Committee, has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the comfort, convenience and business efficiency of all participants and trade visitors. I extend my best wishes to all exhibitors and buyers for a productive and rewarding experience, and I am confident that this edition will open new avenues for growth and collaboration in the global handicrafts business,” the Fair President further said.

Gautam Nathany, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026 Reception Committee opined, “An eclectic range of products awaits visitors, encompassing housewares, tableware, furnishings, gifts, lighting, festive décor, fashion accessories and more. Traditional materials such as hardwood, tensile steel and soft stone are thoughtfully combined with modern and futuristic elements, resulting in distinctive décor-led utility products and intelligent functional solutions.” Supplementing the thought, Anand Jalan, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026 Reception Committee said, “This prestigious platform reflects the strength of India’s young and dynamic workforce and its rich demographic dividend, which continues to transform challenges into opportunities through innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH said, “The fair accentuates the enduring importance of India’s handicrafts sector as both a cultural heritage and a resilient economic force. Despite global uncertainties, Indian artisans and exporters continue to adapt, innovate and sustain growth—strengthening Brand India through quality, authenticity and reliability. This edition is a reflection of that, presenting a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, reinforced by a strong emphasis on sustainability, eco-friendly innovation and digital readiness. As India advances on a strong economic trajectory, IHGF Delhi Fair remains instrumental in expanding export reach, unlocking new markets and nurturing long-term global partnerships, with exhibitors proudly reinforcing the ‘Made in India’ identity worldwide.”

He further added, “Overseas buyers from over 109 countries, Buying/Sourcing consultants as well as visitors from major Indian Retail/online brands and domestic volume buyers have confirmed their visit to the show for their sourcing requirements.”