The 51st virtual Indian Handicrafts & Gift Fair begins (Words: 315)

**The 51st virtual Indian Handicrafts & Gift Fair begins**
(Words: 315)

The 51st virtual Indian Handicrafts & Gift Fair organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts [EPCH] has just begun and is already gaining popularity as a “One Stop Sourcing Destination” amongst overseas buyers and importers globally.

**Duration**: In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year the fair is conducted in a virtual mode from **19th to 23th May**.

**A display of India’s unique cultural diversity:**

From Kanjeevaram of Tamil Nadu to Punjab’s Phulkari, from Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh to Odisha’s Ikat, each Indian state has its own traditional handloom preserving in them the true essence of India. They are a window to India’s rich culture, heritage, beauty, and art to the world.

In his message, PM Narendra Modi appreciated the richness and diversity of our handicrafts which has been a unique feature of the nation’s culture and heritage. He said generations of artisans and craftsmen from different regions have enhanced the appeal, adding color and vibrancy to the products.

**Additional employment for cottage industry**:

The handicraft industry is a already means of livelihood for millions & is the second largest contributor to India’s employment.

The virtual fair will help in giving a much-needed push to the exports of handicrafts and generating additional employment in this cottage sector of the Indian economy.

The up-scaling of durable, user-friendly products will further help the sector expand and deepen its outreach, as elucidated by PM Narendra Modi.

**One-stop sourcing destination amongst overseas buyers**:

The Chairman of Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), Ravi K. Passi said while inaugurating the fair, that a large number of overseas buyers, wholesalers, and retailers have already registered to visit the show. The fair will see the participation of 1,500 manufacturers and exporters showcasing 2,000 product expressions. Overseas buyers from over 85 countries across the globe have already registered to visit the show.