IHGF Delhi Fair 2026: Valedictory Function concludes with Awards & Recognition for Best Display in 12 Categories

Delhi/NCR – 18th February 2026 – The 61st edition of IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026, being 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 on the Greater Noida Expressway concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony today, with Chief Guest Mrs. Shalini Rajput, Chairperson, Handicraft Development Board, Chhattisgarh. They also gave away the awards for Best Display at the IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026 in 13 product categories. Present on the momentous occasion were dignitaries present were, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH; Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML; Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH; Mohit Chopra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair – Spring 2026; Former Chairman & COA Member, EPCH – Raj Kumar Malhotra; COA Members – Avdesh Agarwal, K. N Tulasi Rao, Rajesh Jain, Salman Azam, Varun Sharma, Ms. Rashim Duggal, Mohd Junaid, Simrandeep Singh Kohli; Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH and other leading member exporters of EPCH.

The fair was also visited by Tarun Rathi, Vice President, Film Development Council, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Anil Sharma, Film Director and Producer who appreciated the wide product display of exquiste handicrafts in the fair.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH said, “The Spring 2026 edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair drew to a successful close after five dynamic days marked by vibrant activity and productive business interactions. The fair attracted leading international brands, prominent importers, major wholesalers, independent overseas buyers, sourcing agents and key retail players from across India. Throughout the event, the venue remained abuzz with buyer enquiries, order confirmations, and extensive sample selections, laying a strong foundation for a promising sourcing season ahead. He further noted that sustainability continued to be a central theme at the IHGF Delhi Fair, evident in the extensive display of eco-conscious products across home, lifestyle, jewellery, accessories to apparel, furnishings, furniture and related segments. It was amply evident that more and more exhibitors are making consistent progress toward adopting ethical and environmentally responsible production practices. Curated showcases featured innovative designs rooted in sustainability, highlighting circular design principles and the creative use of natural derivatives, eco-friendly fibres, clay and earth-based materials, as well as repurposed scrap and recycled inputs. These initiatives collectively reflected a forward-looking and responsible approach to manufacturing drawing good traction from buyers.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML remarked, “The India Expo Centre & Mart has evolved into a dynamic hub for forging new business associations. It is witnessing a vibrant confluence of both new and seasoned international buyers, alongside the second and third generations of India’s handicraft exporters. Their active participation is contributing meaningfully to the growth of the sector’s emerging entrepreneurs, designers as well as skilled workforce.”

He further added, that this edition reaffirmed the strength of dynamic sourcing, with a steady influx of visitors witnessed throughout the show. International buyers from across the globe, alongside buying agents and leading domestic retailers, engaged with over 3,000 exhibitors across expansive exhibition halls, 900 participants in permanent showrooms, as well as curated theme displays and a range of value-added features. As the fair concludes on a successful note, focus now shifts to the much-anticipated Autumn 2026 edition scheduled for October.

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH and informed, “The availability of high-quality products under one roof, across varied price points, effectively addressed diverse buyer requirements. Buyers explored new product lines from first-time participants as well as innovative offerings from established suppliers. While numerous orders were finalized during the fair, many more are expected to materialize through post-show follow-ups. Besides, many new success stories have emerged at this edition. We have welcomed new designer-entrepreneurs to the IHGF Delhi Fair family, including first-time exhibitors from far-flung towns and skilled artisans from craft villages nurtured through EPCH’s skill development and design intervention initiatives.”

Mehta further said, “The fair was inaugurated by Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, Govt. of India. It was also visited by Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Skill Development and Vocational Education, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh; Francisco Comprés H., Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to India; Anil Goyal, MLA, Krishna Nagar, Delhi; Dr. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner, Handlooms; and Dr. Tanu Jain, IDES, CEO, Bareilly Cantonment Board.”

Speaking about buyer response to the fair, Mohit Chopra, President, IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2026 Reception Committee affirmed, “The home, lifestyle, gifting, fashion, furnishings, furniture and interiors segments continue to evolve. This season, the focus shifted toward emotionally resonant design—where sustainability seamlessly integrates with craftsmanship, surface textures merge with expressive prints, materials tell stories rooted in tradition, and bold statement pieces coexist with collections defined by a refined, modern aesthetic. The exhibiting and sourcing at this edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair clearly reflected these emerging trends.”

Gautam Nathany, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair-Spring 2026, stated, “Visiting buyers were seen winding up today after remaining busiest during the first four days of the fair. Many commended the positive approach of our manufacturer-exhibitors, along with the extensive variety available across individual product segments. Several also appreciated the pre-fair and on-ground buyer assistance services extended by the organisers.”

Anand Jalan, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair–Spring 2026 Reception Committee, added, “Overseas buyers from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, South America and Asia appreciated India’s handcrafted quality, authentic craftsmanship and competitive pricing. Textiles, metal crafts, wooden furniture, rugs, natural fibres and sustainable products emerged as key highlights, with handmade variety, customisation and ethnic appeal attracting strong interest. Many buyers noted that the fair helped strengthen their sourcing networks.”

Michel Maarek from, a retail buyer specializing in home and commercial furniture, expressed particular interest in recycled and temporary furniture solutions. Having attended the fair for the past three years, he noted that participation has significantly expanded his business. Linda from Australia, sourcing natural fibre products, mentioned that nearly 50% of her total product range is sourced from India, highlighting the exceptional workmanship and traditional production methods of Indian products. Eddy Versanissen from the Netherlands visited the fair to source decorative items, lighting, and furniture. He found a wide range of products with competitive pricing and easily comparable options. He described India as a highly skilled market, particularly strong in the metal segment, and shared that he had a very positive sourcing experience at the fair. Warren from South Africa, a retailer of premium tropical furniture and luxury home décor, visited the fair to source furniture, clocks, handicrafts and décor items, reflecting India’s importance in his sourcing strategy.

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH informed, “Approximately 5200 overseas buyers, buying representatives from around 100 countries visited the fair that resulted in business enquiries worth around Rs. 2200 crores. Besides, over 1500 domestic volume buyers also attended the fair. Overseas buyers and Buying representatives from companies/ departmental stores like XXXLUTZ-Germany, Landmark Group-Dubai, TJX Companies, VCNY Home, Benjara Inc., Kalalou Inc., Loloi Inc, Target, USA; Intratuin-Netherlands, Kavehome-Spain, Maya Collective-Canada, Pomax-Belgium, Sugita Ace Co-Japan, Tabrez, The Dressing Room-Saudi Arabia, Amedeus-France, Artisan Furnitue-United Kingdom, Bauhaus Pty-Australia, ReteHome-Russia, Dantone-Home-Russia, Midbar-Israel, Brazil-LP Imports, LonLo-Japan, Leruche-Turkey, Le-forze-New Zealand visited.”

Rawat also informed that the Ajai Shankar and P N Suri Memorial Awards for Best Design Display were given in the 12 product categories including Lamps, Lighting, and Accessories; Home Furnishings and Made Ups; Fashion Jewellery and Accessories; Decorative Gifts including Corporate Gifts; Bathroom Accessories; Candle, Incense Sticks, Potpourri, Medication & Aromatics; Handmade Paper, Gift Wraps & Ribbon including Soft Toys; Sustainable Products; Houseware, Table & Decorative Products; Furniture, Furniture Hardware & Home Accessories; Christmas and Festive Decorations. Complete list of awardees is appended below.