By — Dilip Guha
The 62nd IHGF Delhi Fair–Autumn 2026, organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), was held from October 13 to 17, 2025, at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida. It was inaugurated by Shri Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles, in the presence of Shri Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles. Shri Singh praised the fair’s scale and international reach, noting its role in connecting Indian exporters with global buyers, and highlighted the reduction in fair charges that had boosted registrations. He urged exhibitors to aim for a one‑billion‑dollar export target and called for collective efforts to bring more first‑time exporters and young entrepreneurs into the handicrafts ecosystem. He also stressed the importance of developing craft clusters, establishing facilitation centres, and leveraging digital platforms to capture the global gifts and décor market, projected to reach US$100 billion by 2030.
On the occasion, the Minister launched the EUDR Compliance Application to ensure legal sourcing and traceability of wooden products. Guest of Honour Shri Pabitra Margherita commended the fair’s growth from a single hall to an event hosting around 3,000 exhibitors, underlining its role in preserving traditional craftsmanship. The inauguration was attended by EPCH leadership including Chairman Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chief Mentor Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Vice Chairman Mr. Sagar Mehta, and other dignitaries. This edition featured over 3,000 exhibitors across 17 halls, alongside 900 permanent marts showcasing home, lifestyle, fashion, furnishing, furniture and interior products.
Dr. Khanna welcomed participants and emphasized EPCH’s efforts to connect with international buyers, while Dr. Kumar highlighted MSMEs and rural artisans, noting that reduced stall charges had led to a 22% rise in registrations. Mr. Mehta and Mr. Avdesh Agarwal pointed to exhibitors’ design innovations and the fair’s role as a catalyst for new business opportunities. Vice Presidents of the Reception Committee reported strong overseas buyer participation, vibrant footfall, and meaningful business engagements. Knowledge sessions covered topics such as global buyer trends, AI in sourcing, EUDR compliance, EU packaging regulations, FTAs, and export promotion missions.
The fair attracted buyers from over 100 countries, reinforcing its position as a premier global sourcing destination. EPCH reported that handicraft exports during 2025–26 stood at Rs. 33,168 crores (US$3,754 million), reflecting India’s growing presence in international markets.
