50th EDITION OF IHGF-DELHI FAIR OPENS TODAY ON VIRTUAL PLATFORM
Face Warta (Greater Noida )
New Delhi – 4th November’2020 – 50th edition of virtual IHGF-DELHI FAIR Autumn’2020 inaugurated by Ravi K Passi, Chairman, EPCH today in the presence of Raj Kumar Malhotra and Kamal Soni, Vice Chairmen, EPCH, Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH, Shri R.K. Verma, Executive Director – EPCH and members of the Committee of Administration, said Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH. The Secretary (Textiles), Govt. of India, Ravi Capoor and Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India also extended their wishes on the organisaton of 50th edition of IHGF-Delhi fair virtual amidst Corona crisis reflected the indomitable spirit of the handicraft exporting fraternity to continue furthering the efforts to strengthen the Handicrafts Sector.
In his message, Ravi Capoor, Secretary (Textiles), Govt. of India wished all the exhibitors to have a very successful show and congratulated EPCH for holding the virtual edition during the current pandemic. He further said that with this edition of the virtual fair exporters who are stuck in their houses, in their production units would get ample opportunity to transact business through the fair and make both ends meet for themselves, and also to promote Indian handicrafts. Shantmanu, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India in his address welcomed all the buyers and exhibitors including artisans to IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn’2020 on virtual platform. He spoke about onset of the festive season with Diwali, Christmas and New Year around the corner and the significance of IHGF Delhi Fair in being the major sourcing destination for buyers from across the globe for items like handicrafts, gifts, lighting and decoratives. He thanked Indian Embassies and High Commissions spread across the globe in promoting the show amongst buyers in their respective countries.
Ravi K. Passi, Chairman – EPCH spoke about the recovery which is seen in the exports of handicrafts in the September month alone after registering huge negative growth in the first two quarters in the current financial year, he spoke further about overwhelming response shown by both the exhibitors as well as the overseas buyers and their representatives to be part of the 50th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn’2020. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Raj Kumar Malhotra, Vice-Chairman-EPCH welcomed all to the 50th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair and mentioned that it has been proved once again by the Council that with sheer hard work and dedication one can always overcome difficult times and convert challenges into opportunities. This Virtual Edition of the IHGF Fair will provide a viable marketing option to the exhibitors and buyers. With an extensive publicity campaign undertaken by EPCH a large number of overseas buyers, wholesalers and retailers have already registered to visit the show.
Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH shared the journey of IHGF Delhi Fair since 1994 as the show has gone from strength to strength to be recognized as largest congregation of handicraft exporters under one roof as certified by Limca Book of World Records. He further said that due to the current pandemic, the 50th edition of IHGF could not be held in physical form but is once again held virtually offering opportunities to a large number of exhibitors as well as buyers as compared to the last virtual show.
Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director General, EPCH said on the first day the show also witnessed webinars, craft demonstration and fashion show. The Regional Crafts of India have also been showcased on the virtual platform through “Special Pavilion of Regional Crafts of India” wherein 110 artisans from across the country showcase products like Artistic Blue Pottery, Warli Art from Palgarh, Maharashtra, Screwpine craft of Kerala, traditional Meenakari of Jaipur, Wooden Lacquerware and Toys craft of Varanasi, traditional shawls craft of Jammu & Kashmir.
While inaugurating the Regional Crafts Pavilion, Shantmanu, IAS, Development Commissioner Handicrafts invited the buyers and their representatives to visit the Regional Crafts Pavilion of India to interact and source from around 120 artisans from all India who are showcasing a vast variety of crafts and weaves. Adding further he said, the show has gone live today with 25 virtual halls featuring 12 well spread product segments. About 1400 exhibitors from these categories will present optimum collections in GIFTS & DECORATIVES I FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES I HOME FURNISHINGS I HOUSEWARE I LAMPS & LIGHTING I CHRISTMAS & FESTIVE DÉCOR I CARPETS & RUGS I BATHROOM & BATH ACCESSORIES I GARDEN & OUTDOOR I HANDMADE PAPER PRODUCTS & STATIONERY I ECO FRIENDLY/NATURAL FIBRE PRODUCTS I CANDLES, INCENSE & POTPOURRI I FASHION JEWELLERY, ACCESSORIES & BAGS etc. A choice of 2000+ products and 300+ trend specific design developments complete the supply chain of home fashion & utility, collectibles, gifting, decoratives, Home Décor, Furnishing, Carpet, Furniture and fashion accessories.
The Handicrafts exports during the year 2019-20 was Rs. 25,270.14 crores crores and during 1st six months i.e April-September 2020-21 is Rs. 8425.64 Crores and USD 1121.38 Million informed by Shri Rakesh Kumar, Director General – EPCH.
