EPCH showcases India’s vibrant craft heritage at 90th Thessaloniki International Fair 2026, Greece

New Delhi – 08th September’2026 – The 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) got underway from 5th to 13th September 2026 at Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre, Greece with EPCH Thematic Pavillion. A special highlight of India’s participation is the presence of eight eminent Indian artisans, including Padma Shri awardees, Shilp Gurus and National Awardees, who are showcasing the richness and diversity of India’s traditional handicrafts.

The EPCH India Pavilion was inaugurated by Ravi Shankar, Ambassador of India to Greece, along with Ms. Pooja Kumari, First Secretary (Commerce), Embassy of India, Greece; Mr. Andreas Mavrommatis, CEO, HELEXPO; Ms. Lakshmi Kumari, Chief Engineer (Project), ITPO and Master Craft persons were present.

H.E. Ravi Shankar Ambassador of India to Greece, along with other senior officials visited the India Pavilion and interacted with the participating master craft persons. He appreciated the craftsmanship, creativity and diverse range of Indian handicrafts on display. He also appreciated the council’s efforts and shared that through this fair artisans are connecting with buyers and projecting India’s image as Profitable Sourcing Destination for Indian Handicrafts.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH , shared that “Europe continues to offer significant opportunities for Indian handicrafts, particularly for products that combine authenticity, craftsmanship, sustainability and distinctive design. The Thessaloniki International Fair serves as a multidisciplinary platform, blending commerce, culture and innovation, with participation from over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 200,000 visitors expected. Our participation at the Thessaloniki International Fair provides an important platform to present India’s rich craft heritage before European consumers, buyers and trade professionals while also exploring new market opportunities for our artisans and exporters.”

Dr. Khanna further said, “The participation of Padma Shri awardees, Shilp Gurus and National Awardees gives international visitors an opportunity to directly experience the exceptional skills behind Indian handicrafts. Such platforms not only enhance the visibility of our traditional crafts but also support market diversification and create new commercial opportunities for artisans and the wider handicrafts sector.”

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH shared that “Our participation at Thessaloniki International Fair 2026 is providing valuable international market exposure to Indian artisans and helping them connect directly with consumers, buyers and trade representatives in Greece. The encouraging response, live interactions and on-the-spot sales reflect the strong appeal of authentic Indian handcrafted products in the European market.”

Rawat further added that “in this edition, EPCH with support of O/o Development Comissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India has setup Thematic Display with live demonstration of Indian Traditional Crafts by Master Craftspersons. The office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India has deputed Master Craftspersons of Pottery & Clay Objects from Mumbai; Miniature Painting & Kundan Meenakari from Jaipur; Stone Carving & Palm Leaf Engraving from Bhubaneshwar; Chamba Rumal from Kullu; Bagh Hand Block Printing from Indore and Tanjore Painting from Chennai.