New Delhi, 27 October (H.S.): A vibrant display of India’s traditional handicrafts and artisanal skills was among the highlights of the Cultural Bazar organised during the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. Held at the Parliament House Complex on October 26 and 27, the two-day event featured handcrafted products made by artisans from eight states under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana. Delegates from BRICS countries also appreciated the products created by these traditional craftspeople.

The participation of beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, implemented by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), was aimed at enhancing the national and international recognition of India’s traditional arts and cultural heritage. The platform provided artisans with an opportunity to display their products, expand their market reach and connect with potential customers.

Eight artisans from Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Nagaland, Karnataka and Maharashtra participated in the Cultural Bazar. They represented traditional occupations such as tailoring, goldsmithing, stone carving, doll and toy making, and footwear craftsmanship. Some artisans also demonstrated their skills through live presentations of traditional craft-making techniques.

Makbul Jadu Patiya from Jharkhand showcased the state’s traditional Dokra metal craft, renowned for its intricate designs and the use of the ancient lost-wax casting technique. He said the PM Vishwakarma Yojana had enabled him to display his products at exhibitions such as Dilli Haat and the State Trade Fair. His registration on Amazon had also helped him reach new customers and expand his market.

Anurag Sahu from Madhya Pradesh creates sculptures, religious artefacts, souvenirs and decorative products using marble from Bhedaghat in Jabalpur. He said the scheme had helped him bring his traditional stone-carving work to online marketplaces, including Amazon and Flipkart, providing opportunities to reach a wider customer base and grow his business.

Bajirao Shamrao Satpute from Maharashtra is preserving Kolhapur’s traditional leather craftsmanship by making handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals. His footwear features intricate detailing and the distinctive Nach Mauri Patta design. Participation in exhibitions and access to online marketplaces have helped improve the visibility of his products, strengthen their branding and expand his reach among customers.

Deepu S from Karnataka specialises in traditional Channapatna and Kinhal toys, reflecting the state’s rich heritage of toy-making. Under the scheme, he received a toolkit and skill training and subsequently joined the Meesho e-commerce platform. This has created opportunities for him to showcase his products to a broader market.

Dheeraj Kumar from Bihar creates wooden and stone sculptures of Lord Buddha and other deities. His handcrafted works reach Bodh Gaya and various other districts of Bihar. He said financial assistance under the scheme had helped him purchase raw materials, while the toolkit had improved his ability to cut, grind and polish sculptures, resulting in better finishing and product quality.

The stall displaying traditional lac bangles emerged as one of the major attractions at the Cultural Bazar, drawing considerable interest, particularly from women. Visitors showed keen interest in the colourful bangles, and the stall witnessed enthusiastic shopping.

Mohamad Nasim from Rajasthan said making traditional lac bangles decorated with vibrant colours and ornamental stones was a family occupation passed down through generations. He explained that skill training, modern tools and financial assistance under the scheme had helped him improve his craftsmanship. His association with Amazon had further opened up opportunities to expand his business and reach more customers.

Masrat Fayaz from Jammu and Kashmir specialises in stitching shawls, stoles, traditional Kashmiri pherans and Pashmina shawls. She said access to modern tools and skill training had improved the quality, finishing and productivity of her work. Participation in government exhibitions had also provided opportunities to display her creations and connect with wider markets while preserving Kashmir’s traditional textile heritage.

Throngli Sangtam from Nagaland creates handmade crochet dolls inspired by traditional Naga attire, tribal motifs and cultural symbols. She is associated with the Mother’s Craft collective and has previously showcased her products at Dilli Haat. She said financial assistance had helped her procure better-quality raw materials, while a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Women Resource Development had opened up additional opportunities to sell her products through the MyKi store.

The participation of these artisans at the Cultural Bazar demonstrated how traditional skills can be linked with modern training, improved tools, financial assistance and digital marketplaces to create new livelihood opportunities. The initiative also highlighted the diversity of India’s handicrafts and the role of artisan communities in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

Through the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, traditional craftspeople are receiving support to strengthen their skills, improve product quality and reach new customers. The event at the BRICS Parliamentary Forum provided them with an important platform to showcase their craftsmanship and cultural traditions before national and international delegates, while exploring opportunities for wider market access.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar