Bhartiya Hastkala Utsav Celebrates India’s GI-Tagged Handicrafts in Chennai

Bhartiya Hastkala Utsav Celebrates India’s GI-Tagged Handicrafts in Chennai

Chennai, 23 January 2026: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), in association with the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Government of India, organised Bhartiya Hastkala Utsav, a four-day exhibition celebrating India’s authentic Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handicrafts, from 23 January 2026  to 26 January 2026, at Chennai Citi Centre Mall, Mylapore.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Smt. Amuthavalli IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi, Government of Tamil Nadu, Shri. Dharmendrapratap Yadav IAS, Principal Secretary and CMD, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd.; Smt. Lakshmi Priya IAS, Secretary, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department; Smt. Amirtha Jothi IAS, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd; Shri Monish Pattipati, Honorary Trade Commissioner- India EU Trade Council and Shri KN Tulasi Rao – Southers Regional Convenor, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH)

Reflecting the spirit that some stories are woven and handcrafted, Bhartiya Hastkala Utsav showcased over 50 GI-tagged craft products curated from master artisans across India. Visitors explored and purchased a diverse range of traditional handicrafts, including Thanjavur and Mysore Paintings, Cheriyal Paintings, Toda Embroidery, Venkatagiri Sarees, Vadasseri Temple Jewellery, Villianur Terracotta, Channapatna Toys, and several other region-specific art forms.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri KN Tulasi Rao – Southers Regional Vonvenor, Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH said, “Bhartiya Hastkala Utsav served as an important platform to celebrate India’s rich and diverse artisanal heritage while creating direct market access for skilled craftsmen and craft-producing communities. Through the showcase of authentic GI-tagged handicrafts, each deeply rooted in its geography, traditional knowledge and cultural significance, we aimed to raise awareness about their true value and authenticity. Designed as a display-cum-sale, the exhibition enabled visitors to interact directly with artisans, understand the stories, skills behind every craft and take home genuine handcrafted products. This initiative also reinforces the need to preserve India’s traditional crafts and support sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities, reaffirming EPCH’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s cultural legacy.”

Designed as a display-cum-sale, the event attracted strong footfall and provided Chennai residents and visitors with a rare opportunity to engage directly with artisans, fostering appreciation for India’s living craft traditions while supporting sustainable livelihoods.