Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates first edition of Handicrafts Expo (Artefacts), Jodhpur – 2025

Jodhpur, Rajasthan 23rd January 2025: The 1st edition of Handicrafts Expo (ARTEFACTS), Jodhpur-2025, organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) from 23rd to 26th January 2025, at the Trade Facilitation Centre (TFC) in Boranada, Jodhpur was inaugurated today by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Govt. of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Addressing the gathering he said “I congratulate team EPCH and stakeholders from Rajasthan for creating this phenomenal platform where both domestic volume and retail buyers from all over the nation are visiting.” He added that “the show is a great opportunity, especially for manufacturers, artisans and exporters from across the craft & heritage rich Rajasthan to showcase their products and connect with their target audience.” The Minister further said that the Jodhpur was used to be known for Mehrangarh Fort and Mirchi Badas, however, over the years, it has gained popularity across the globe, and now it is known for its Handicrafts. He spoke about orange economy and it’s importance in the overall growth and development of the region. He further added that with India gaining a positive outlook amongst the international community, it is high time to leverage the China plus one policy and gain advantage from the same.

Minister further shared that launching 1st edition is always a difficult task and team EPCH & members from Jodhpur region has made it possible. He urged to see the Handicrafts expo getting bigger year on year and see more editions to come at larger scale. He further added that this expo is a testament to the vision of  Prime Minister Narender Modi for Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The fair was also visited by Jogaram Patel, Cabinet Minister of Parliamentary Affairs & Justice Department in Government of Rajasthan and interacted with exhibitors.
The ceremony also saw presence of Members COA EPCH Hansraj Baheti and Ravi K passi; Nirmal Bhandari, Radhe Shyam Ranga, D Kumar, Ghanshyam Ojha, Lekhraj Maheshwari prominent member exporters; R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH and members from the Jodhpur and Jaipur regions were present.

Dileep Baid, Chairman of EPCH, remarked, “The displays at Handicrafts Expo (ARTEFACTS), Jodhpur-2025 feature one-of-a-kind creations that beautifully capture the essence of craftsmanship, tradition and innovation. These treasures not only reflect India’s rich cultural heritage but are also designed to suit contemporary global trends. This event marks the beginning of a highly anticipated fair series, showcasing the creativity of India’s leading manufacturer-exporters who have been presenting their exquisite craftsmanship and unique products to the world.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Chief Mentor in role of Director General EPCH & Chairman – IEML, informed, “This seamless integration of Jodhpur’s rich craft traditions into a modern, sustainable business model such as Handicrafts Expo (ARTEFACTS), Jodhpur-2025, is thoughtfully designed to benefit all stakeholders involved. The inclusion of award-winning craftspeople ensures the event is enriched with authentic, artisanal works that beautifully reflect India’s diverse cultural heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of crafts, including Applique Crafts, Wooden Crafts, Horn & Bone Crafts, Zari & Zari Crafts, handmade leather products, Embroidery and Crocheted crafts, Artmetalware etc.”

Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Vice Chairman, EPCH, shared, “Jodhpur, renowned for its rich heritage, chivalry and gastronomy, has also emerged as a prominent hub for home and lifestyle products.” Echoing this sentiment,

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH, added, “The city now serves as a global supplier, offering a wide array of creative products such as artistic furniture, ethnic handicrafts, home textiles, decoratives, giftware, metalware, woodware and jewellery & accessories. Its unique blend of tradition and craftsmanship has made Jodhpur a favorite destination for visitors and buyers from around the world.”

Hansraj Baheti, Member, Committee of Administration (CoA), EPCH, added, “The fair will welcome visitors on all days from 11 AM to 8 PM, functioning as both a B2C and B2B event. It aims to encourage on-the-spot sales while offering significant opportunities for domestic volume buyers. In addition to retail shoppers and domestic buyers, this event is expected to attract hoteliers, architects, designers, e-tailers, and many other professionals.”

Nirmal Bhandari, Prominent Member Exporter, EPCH, informed, “Over the course of four days, attendees can also enjoy diverse cultural performances and indulge in a variety of cuisines and food items available for purchase, adding to the overall experience.”

R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH said, “EPCH has been regularly making efforts to promote regional crafts by curating marketing platforms for trade, especially for micro and small entrepreneurs, artisans and crafts persons to showcase their heritage craft skills. Vibrant lines by these enterprises are also among attractions for the visitors to the show.”

Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal organization for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture, and fashion jewellery & accessories in craft clusters of the country. The overall Handicrafts exports during the year 2023-24 was Rs. 32,759 Crores (US $ 3,956 Million). The exports of woodware during the year 2023-24 is 8038.17 Crores with Jodhpur comprising 28.19% in woodware exports added Mr. R. K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH.