IHGF Delhi Fair’s 51st Edition to go virtual from May 19-23, 2021
New Delhi – 17th May’ 2021: The globally acclaimed IHGF Delhi Fair Spring’2021 is heading towards its 51st edition on a virtual platform from 19-23 May’2021. This is 5th in the series of virtual fairs organised by EPCH during lockdown setting a new order for sourcing of Indian handicrafts. Considering all circumstantial challenges owing to present travel restrictions globally, yet driven by its pressing objective of bringing exhibitors and buyers together, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) continues to hold virtual fairs, said Ravi K. Passi, Chairman-EPCH.
Adding further, he said, “The upcoming edition, scheduled from 19th to 23rd May’2021 will go live with 15 virtual halls having around 700 exhibitors featuring 12 well spread product segments like gifts & decoratives, furniture & accessories, home furnishings, Houseware, Lamps & Lighting, Christmas & Festive Décor, Carpets & Rugs, Bathroom & Bath Accessories, garden & outdoor, Handmade Paper Products & Stationery, Eco-Friendly/Natural Fibre products, Candles, Incense & Potpourri, Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Bags etc. Out of around 700 exhibitors, 217 from Uttar Pradesh with 100 exhibitors from Moradabad; 225 from Rajasthan with 144 from Jodhpur and 75 from Jaipur; and around 154 from Delhi NCR are participating in the fair.”
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH, speaking on the occasion, said, “Though it is a digital platform, it is expected that large numbers of overseas buyers from across the globe which includes wholesalers, distributors, chain stores, departmental stores, retailers, mail order companies, brand owners, buying houses and designers and trend forecasters will visit the show to source their requirement. For inviting buyers, EPCH has done exclusive publicity through emailers, online banners, social media, tele calling and by also involving Indian missions and embassies abroad to promote the show.”
Dr. Kumar further elaborated that the virtual fair will provide the visitors with an option to chat with exhibitors in various international languages, attend webinars, witness craft demonstrations, network or talk live. The virtual platform will also provide exhibitors with detailed reports consisting of data such as the number of participants, booth visits & sources driving the audience to the event thereby helping them with efficient tracking of leads and development of business strategies for future customer engagements. EPCH have made efforts to match the features of the physical fair in which themes were used. The virtual platform will also feature special thematic participation to showcase the Regional Crafts of India like Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern States Handicrafts.
Overseas buyers from over 85 countries have registered to visit the show. Major Indian Retail/online brands have also shown great interest and registered themselves to source their requirement from this virtual show, said R. K. Verma, Executive Director– EPCH.
The estimated figures for exports of handicrafts for the period April-March of the current financial year 2020-21 which stands at Rs. 25558.94 crores (USD 3443.45 million) registering a growth of 1.14 % (Rupee terms) and decline (-)3.39 % (dollar terms) over the same period last year.
