With the support of the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts)
Ministry of Textiles, Government of India,

A Celebration of Tradition, Talent, and Trade

10-day's “Handicrafts Exhibition 2025” was organized from January 18 to January 27, 2025,
at the Asaram Bapu Ashram Ground, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

Event Highlights: Duration 10 Days

Celebrating the Artisans & Their Craftsmanship ( Handicrafts Exhibition )

Dehradun, not only one of India’s prominent tourist destinations but also the capital of Uttarakhand, proved to be an ideal location for this cultural event.

The primary objective of this fair was to promote handicrafts in Uttarakhand and provide a dedicated platform for artisans to showcase their art and skills to both national and international audiences. The large-scale handicrafts fair, supported by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, was successfully executed by the Rishikesh Natural Fiber Handicrafts Producer Company, which set a remarkable example of dedication and efficiency in organizing the event. Through this initiative, artisans from Uttarakhand not only gained economic benefits but also contributed significantly to preserving and celebrating the rich tradition and diversity of Indian handicrafts.

  • The exhibition fostered direct interaction between artisans and consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring artisans received the true value of their labor. Buyers appreciated the: Sustainability of materials, Originality of designs, Stories behind each product, which added emotional and cultural value
  • Several visitors, including boutique owners and export agents, expressed business interest and collaboration opportunities, opening doors for long-term income and market exposure for artisans.
  • Empowerment Through Craft For many artisans—especially women from rural clusters—this exhibition was a transformative experience. It helped them: Understand market trends and pricing, Receive immediate feedback from customers, Gain confidence in their skills and artistry, Connect with wider networks of design institutes and buyers




Highlights and Achievements

The grand inauguration of the 10-day Handicrafts Exhibition 2025 took place on January 19, 2025, at Asaram Bapu Ashram Ground, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The exhibition was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest Mr. Satyendra Singh, Accounts Manager from the Disaster Management Department, Mr. Nalin Rai, Assistant Director from the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), and Mrs. Bina Pundeer, recipient of the Uttarakhand Shilp Ratna Award. Following the inauguration, the dignitaries visited the artisans’ stalls, where they observed and appreciated the exquisite handicraft products created by skilled craftsmen. On this occasion, the organizer Mr. Anil Chandola addressed the gathering and shared that Rishikesh Natural Fiber Producer Company Private Limited is running employment-focused programs for people involved in handicrafts, aiming to empower them and promote self-reliance through handcrafted products. He also mentioned the company’s commitment to improving lives through the development of new resources. Artisans from various parts of India participated in this grand event, showcasing their unique crafts, reflecting the rich heritage and diversity of Indian handicrafts. Several team members of the company were also present at the event, contributing to its successful execution.

    Visitor Feedback

    The Handicrafts Exhibition 2025, held at Asaram Bapu Ashram Ground, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, received immense appreciation from visitors for the efforts made by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and the organizers. Visitors especially praised the efforts of Rishikesh Natural Fiber Producer Company for addressing unemployment and promoting self-employment. The exhibition served as a powerful platform for connecting remote regions of Uttarakhand and enhancing income and business opportunities.
    Women, in particular, benefited from this event as it offered a strong platform for self-employment—an important step toward their economic independence and empowerment. Visitors expressed their gratitude to both the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) and Rishikesh Natural Fiber Producer Company and conveyed the hope that more such exhibitions should be organized regularly. This would enable more women to become empowered and self-reliant through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

    Understanding Daily & Modern Market Demands

    The Handicrafts Exhibition 2025 served as a vital platform for artisans to understand the demands of the modern marketplace and tailor their products accordingly. They gained insights into what is currently sought after in daily life, which design trends are preferred, and how to price their products appropriately in line with customer expectations and market competition. This exhibition was a transformative experience, helping artisans observe real-time customer behavior and market preferences. It was evident that modern designs, innovative products, and cost-effective yet attractive packaging play a critical role in satisfying market demands.
    Artisans were also guided on setting fair pricing based on standard market rates, product quality, and the customer’s purchasing power. The exhibition emphasized the increasing demand for products suited to modern lifestyles and daily use—such as jute bags, bamboo furniture, cotton garments, and artistic wearables. Given the rising interest in eco-friendly products, artisans were encouraged to develop and market such items. They realized that by aligning their products with market trends and customer needs—and by pricing them appropriately—they could increase sales, grow their businesses, and contribute to the country’s economic development. This approach not only has the potential to reduce unemployment but also empowers artisans to lead a self-reliant life. Ultimately, it fosters inclusive economic growth and prosperity in society.

    Packaging and Presentation

    The Handicrafts Exhibition 2025 raised awareness among artisans about the significance of modern packaging and display methods. Previously, artisans relied on traditional packaging, which often lacked durability, reduced product value, and posed inconvenience in handling. Participating in the exhibition allowed artisans to understand how modern packaging and display techniques can make their products safer, more appealing, and easier to transport. By interacting with one another, artisans shared and adopted the latest packaging methods and creative display techniques, improving both product protection and professional presentation.
    They also learned about custom packaging solutions, eco-friendly materials, and branding strategies to increase product recognition and perceived value. Furthermore, artisans discovered how smart packaging could visually elevate their products and attract customer attention more effectively. These learnings helped artisans present their products better, ensure safety during transport, and boost sales—adding a new dimension and professional appeal to their business. This empowered them to increase product value and secure growth opportunities in future markets.

    Customer Behavior and Emotional Communication

    The Handicrafts Exhibition 2025, held at Asaram Bapu Ashram Ground, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, provided artisans with valuable insights into customer behavior and the importance of emotional communication. The exhibition offered an opportunity to understand that establishing positive and empathetic communication with customers not only helps grasp their preferences but also allows artisans to understand the types of products customers are genuinely interested in. Artisans were encouraged to adopt a gentle and friendly approach when interacting with customers to ensure smooth and effective communication. They were taught to observe facial expressions and conversations to identify whether a customer was looking for something budget-friendly, premium, or exclusive. Moreover, artisans were motivated to engage in deeper conversations to learn what kind of designs, quality, and pricing customers are attracted to.
    This experience helped artisans realize that customers don’t just shop based on product quality but also on emotional connection and overall experience. They were trained to listen patiently and empathetically to customer needs, fostering trust and connection. Artisans learned that positive behavior and accurate emotional expression not only boost sales opportunities but also help build long-term customer relationships based on trust and loyalty.

The closing ceremony of the Handicrafts Exhibition 2025—supported by NABARD and organized by Rishikesh Natural Fiber Producer Company—was held on January 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM at Asaram Bapu Ashram Ground, Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun. During the ceremony, the organizers reflected on the business conducted by artisans and appreciated the high quality of their work. It was emphasized that the craftsmanship of Indian women artisans is not only recognized nationally but also holds great value internationally. A call to action was made, encouraging more women to participate in such events—helping them generate income for their families while establishing a reputation for their skills on national and global platforms. The closing event of Handicrafts Exhibition 2025 sent out a powerful message: such platforms are vital for empowering women and making them self-reliant. The success of the exhibition underscored the need to continue and expand such initiatives in the future.