Artefacts-2026 showcases vibrant culture, strong visitor interactions

Jodhpur, Rajasthan 18th January 2026: The 2nd Edition of Handicrafts Expo (Artefacts)-2026, is being organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) from 15th to 19th January 2026 at the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC), Boranada, Jodhpur, witnessed an encouraging and energetic Day 4, marked by sustained trade visitors engagements, appreciative visitors response and a colourful cultural programme that celebrated Rajasthan’s heritage.

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH shared that “Artefacts-2026 is steadily evolving into a meaningful marketplace where India’s craft excellence meets serious buying interest. The presence of buyers from Japan and the Netherlands, along with strong visitor appreciation, reaffirms the global relevance of our handmade sector. Our focus remains on enabling direct market linkages for artisans and exporters while celebrating the ‘Magic of Gifted Hands’ through authentic products and compelling craft stories.”

The fair was also visited by Jaswant Singh Bishnoi, former Member of the Lok Sabha, Ravindra Singh Bhati, Member of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Sheo Constituency and Om Prakash, Commissioner of Police (Jodhpur). They met with the exhibitors, visited their stalls and interacted with them.

Nozomi Haga, a buyer from Japan was impressed by the craftsmanship and product display at Artefacts-2026. “The collections here show a strong blend of heritage techniques and contemporary design, especially in home décor and lifestyle categories. I see good potential for curated sourcing and long-term partnerships with Indian manufacturers, particularly from Jodhpur.”

Louis Uiterwijk, a buyer form The Netherlands who deals in home décor and wooden furniture shared that “this expo offers a highly professional sourcing environment with excellent product variety and clear design identity. We are seeing high export quality workmanship and strong storytelling behind the products, which is important for European consumers. Our discussions with exhibitors have been very promising for future buying and collaboration.”

Highlighting the visitor experience and cultural program, Nirmal Bhandari, Member CoA, EPCH said that “Day 4 beautifully captured the essence of Artefacts where business opportunity blended with cultural celebration. The Rajasthani folk dances, live musical performances by MO HIT Band and the fashion show by Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) added a powerful regional flavour, keeping visitors engaged. This energy on the floor directly supports exhibitors by ensuring sustained footfall and meaningful buyer interactions across the remaining days.”

Underscoring the platform’s value-chain approach, Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH, said, “The response on Day 4 has been very encouraging, both in terms of buyer quality and visitor engagement. International buyers from Japan and the Netherlands, coupled with strong domestic interest, shows that Artefacts is delivering on its purpose as a business-ready platform. We are also proud to highlight that our ongoing capacity-building program under Comprehensive Skill Upgradation Programme (CSUP) where artisans from Jaisalmer and Udaipur are being trained in Kavad Painting & Appliqué Crafts, visited the fair and interacted with the prominent exporters to gain practical export exposure, understand international market expectations and explore buyer requirements”.