Handicrafts Fair 2023

The Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair is organized every year in Delhi in two editions, the Spring and the Autumn edition. The spring edition of 2023 is organized at the India Expo Centre from March 15th to March 19th. It was started in 1994 by the Chairman of India Exposition Mart Limited, Mr. Rakesh Kumar, and is organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).

EPCH is an apex, non-profit organization that represents handicraft manufacturers and exporters in India. EPCH has a very strong suppliers network for exporters of Home, Lifestyle, Fashion, Textile, and furniture. It was set up under the Companies Act in the year 1986-87. The main objective of the council is to support, promote, protect, maintain and increase the export of handicrafts. Even the council has created all the necessary infrastructures and marketing facilities which are availed both by the member exporters and importers. Besides, it facilitates 10000+ members to customize and offer unique styles and quality products to the global sourcing community.

Besides these facilities, EPCH also provides specialized services to the handicraft sectors. Alongside this, it provides comprehensive information about the sector to international buyers and ensures the development and maintenance of optimal interface between the Indian handicraft industry and international buyers, promoting and facilitating harmonious business.

The Indian Handicrafts and Gifts fair is recognized as the ‘World’s largest congregation of Handicrafts exhibitors under one roof’ by Limca Book of World Records. Every year the fair is visited by over 5000 overseas volume business buyers for sourcing and 2750 exhibitors from all over India participate here.

Specialized services provided by EPCH to the handicraft sector

The main organizer of the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair, the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) to enhance competitiveness among the exporters, and provide a variety of specialized services to the handicraft sector. Some of such special services are listed and discussed below. Let us have a close look at each of them.

• Arranges collective interaction and audience with government departments
• Collects and analyzes industry data
• Conducts brand image promotion seminars
• Creates an environment of awareness through workshops
• Disseminates market and trade information
• Maintains engagement with the global sourcing community
• Offers professional advice and services to members
• Participates in specialized International Trade Fairs
• Proposes  and organizes visits of delegates abroad to explore market opportunities
• Provides commercially useful information and assistance to members
• Represents and interacts with Government regarding industry issues

Hence, by providing these specialized services EPCH makes sure to conduct the exhibition and fair very smoothly and successfully. Besides, these services help the organizers and exporters to get value back with them after their participation in the fair.

Travel guidance to India Expo Centre

The famous location where the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair is conducted every year is situated near the JP Golf Course in Greater Noida. The spot is very easy to access from central Delhi and the international airport.

The major follow ways to reach the venue, or the closest traveling routes to come to the venue when coming from outside Delhi are mentioned below.

• Indira Gandhi International Airport
• Yamuna Expressway
• 8-lane Greater Noida Expressway highway
• Via Metro Rail

If you stay in central Delhi and wish to travel by car to the fair venue then it will hardly take 45 minutes to reach the destination. There are various paths that you can follow to reach the venue from central Delhi. A sneak peep into some of these routes is discussed below.

1. Following Ghaziabad – NH24 – Mayur Vihar

In case you are following the venue route from Ghaziabad, then make sure to take the NH24. Continue following left from Akshardham Setu on Mayur Vihar – Noida Road following past the DND underpass. Then follow through the Film city and get onto the Expressway.

2. Following Ring Road New Delhi

If you prefer to come via this route, then make sure you take the Noida Toll (DND) bridge and approach the Greater Noida exit. After driving past here, continue driving past Film city and get onto the Expressway and then follow through the Expressway till you reach the venue.

3. Following Mathura Road – Apollo Hospital – Kalindi Kunj

While following this route, make sure you drive past the Apollo Hospital, which is a prime landmark here. Then take a left turn for the Kalindi Kunj and reach the Amity flyover. After this take a loop to reach the Expressway and then follow the Expressway.

All these routes are the best paths to follow from central Delhi to reach the venue. But make sure while coming that you also use Google maps. Just set the location of the venue on google maps and then follow through the routes and reach the destination seamlessly.

Places to dine when you visit the popular IHGF, Delhi 2023

When you reach the venue, you will get multiple options available before you serve the purpose of food and catering. You can get both the services of packaged food as well as rich physical dining experiences. The most famous spot is the services provided by Seasons Catering. A variety of cuisines are offered at the location, ranging from Indian, Chinese, and Continental to Mexican. You can enjoy whatever you like.

Besides this, IEML also maintains collaboration with top brands like Cafe Coffee Day, Domino, Pizza Hut, Subway, etc. If you wish you can enjoy your meals at these spots too. Apart from these, various food courts are set up in halls and passages. Also, for the drivers, special canteens are available at subsidized rates.

Besides these services of dining made available for you by the organizers, you can also explore the nearby restaurants and hotels for your meals. Various famous and delicate dining places are available in the close vicinity of the venue so as to make your dining experience amazing.

So, whenever you will plan to visit the Indian Handicrafts Fair, be it in Spring or in Autumn. Stay assured that you will get ample dining options available for you at and near the venue.

Shopping spots near the venue

Although you can do a large amount of shopping right at the fair, in case you wish you explore the regions around the venue, you can definitely get a number of options available for you. Near the India Expo Centre, there are various big and great malls located where you can go shopping of your choice anytime you like.

Some of the most popular nearby malls are the Opulent Mall, The Great India Place, Cross River Mall, Living Style Mall, etc. Each of these Malls opens around 11:00 AM daily. So, you can visit them any day of your choice and spend some time shopping around the venue.

These places are more reliable for those who come from outside Delhi to just visit the Fair. They can get everything of their need from these malls and thus enjoy their stay at the venue with comfort and ease.

Services that you can expect to get at India Expo Centre

The India Expo Centre is considered to be a leading venue planner and provider in the country for hosting multiple international business-to-business events. It provides technology-driven facilities and safety at its venue. The venue itself is divided into two distinct areas, the exhibition area, and the mart area.

The difference between both areas is that the exhibition areas are halls that are connected to each other while the mart areas are showrooms that are possessed by individual exporters. So, here the venue provides the shop set-up facility as per the requirement of the exporters so they can set up their stalls at the location as per their needs.

Some of the services that you can expect to enjoy at the India Expo Centre during the exhibitions and events include

• Medical Facilities
• Utility Kits
• Housekeeping services
• Helipads
• Banking and Foreign Exchange services
• Security
• Electricity Supply
• Food and Beverage Services

All these services all together make sure that the exhibition experience is of top class and the events are conducted very smoothly. The most fascinating is the presence of 3 helipads at the facility. These large helipads have the capacity to land large, transportation helicopters. Besides, the foreign exchange services are the Punjab National Bank located at the venue which helps international visitors to carry out their trades and transactions smoothly.

Overall the experience of the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair conducted at the India Expo Centre is a great success because of the multiple and smooth services provided by the venue. And hence, every year the event and exhibition are organized in the country to support and promote handicrafts in the country.

Some Exquisite Handicrafts of India

Having known so much about the handicrafts fair that are upcoming this spring in Delhi, now let us look at some of the unique and exquisite handicrafts of India that are worth having possession of.

1. Puppetry

Originating from Rajasthan, puppetry is around 1000 years old tradition running in our country. It is famous as katputli in India. The name comes from dolls made of wood that is used for presenting shows and dances in Rajasthan. But the theatres are not just limited to Rajasthan, they are now showcased in every big fair and event organized in the country. The main aim of this theatre is to promote education and create various awareness.

2. Terracotta

Terracotta is an age-old technique of making handicrafts from mud and clay. The main source of these handicrafts is the Golapara in Assam and Bishnupur in West Bengal. This is one of the most eco-friendly handicrafts and has the capability to produce stellar pieces with baked earth. It carries with it the fragrance of our mother earth and the beauty of mother nature. It is one of the most popular and loved handicrafts of traditional India.

3. Phulkari

Phulkari is a famous embroidery method that is used to create designs on shawls and scarves using threads of vibrant colors. These carvings represent various beautiful designs and are very famous and prominent in the culture of Punjab. The best place where you can still find the original Phulkari work in India is in Amritsar, Punjab. Although at present various such designs are made using contemporary methods by designers. But the value of originality will always remain matchless.

4. Tarakasi

One of the most famous handicrafts known in the jewelry business is Tarakasi. This is a method where the silver is transformed into wires by beating them and then their wires are worked upon and joined into various forms to make multiple and beautiful designs of jewelry. This meticulous handicraft is found in Cuttack and other parts of Odisha.

5. Zardozi 

One of the most famous and rich embroidery businesses in India since the time of Kings and Queens is Zardozi. This is mainly found in Delhi but is sold all around the world. It is an age-old technique of creating elaborate designs with a systematic and detailed approach. Earlier these designs were crafted using silver threads, pearls, and gold petals, but now the real silver and gold used are replaced by copper wires polished in silver and gold with silk threads.

6. Bamboo Handicraft

One of the most unique, impeccable, and diverse handicrafts that you can get in India is its bamboo handicraft. It is an eco-friendly handicraft art that is well-known for making dolls, baskets, wall-hangings, mats, furnitures, etc using bamboo. The most famous places where you can get to witness their crafting and buy them are Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura in India.

These above-mentioned handicraft items are not only unique and classy but also will help you carry with you your culture of the country. It gives a great sense of belongingness to the people and brings with it a sense of pride in country-made specialties and crafts.

Footnote

Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair 2023 is organized at India Expo Centre from 15th March to 19th March by EPCH. It is a place that promotes the business of original Indian handicrafts in international markets and helps to enhance the handicraft culture of our country.

In case you are a handicraft trader, make sure you visit the fair this spring and trade the best handicrafts in the country. Also, if you are new and interested in this business then make sure to come and witness the beautiful handicrafts available in India.