60th edition of IHGF Delhi Fair opens in Greater Noida

The 60th edition of the IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2025 – opened on Monday at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, bringing together over 3,000 exhibitors and buyers from more than 110 countries. Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the five-day event will continue till October 17.

The milestone edition, themed “Wave of Progress”, celebrates the evolution of Indian handicrafts from tradition to modernity. Spread across 16 halls and 900 permanent showrooms, the fair showcases a wide spectrum of handcrafted products across categories including home décor, furniture, lifestyle, furnishings, fashion accessories, lighting, and eco-friendly crafts.

Dr Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH, said the fair continues to serve as a trusted sourcing platform for global buyers and Indian exporters. “Over the past three decades, the IHGF Delhi Fair has grown into a pivotal trade event for the Indian handicraft sector. With strong participation from across the world, we look forward to meaningful networking and productive business opportunities for our exporters and artisans,” he said.

Highlighting the theme, Dr Khanna added, “The façade has been designed around the concept of a wave, symbolising the seamless flow of tradition into modernity and celebrating both our shared heritage and regional uniqueness.”

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Director General and Chief Mentor, EPCH, and Chairman, India Expo Mart Ltd (IEML), said the fair has, since its inception in 1994, “evolved into one of the world’s most relevant marketplaces and a preferred destination for global buyers, owing to its unparalleled business opportunities.”

Sagar Mehta, Vice Chairman, EPCH, said the fair enables direct interactions between buyers and exporters, helping them source both ready collections and customise products for specific markets. “Our exhibitors have worked tirelessly to present new product ranges aligned with upcoming seasons, reflecting the best that India has to offer,” he said.

Chief Convenor Avdesh Aggarwal noted that the fair continues its journey of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. “For over 30 years, IHGF has been instrumental in showcasing India’s extraordinary craft capabilities while fostering new ventures and collaborations,” he said

According to Rajat Asthana, President of IHGF Delhi Fair – Autumn 2025, the event represents “the strength of India’s young workforce, who continue to transform challenges into opportunities through innovation and creativity.”

Alongside the product showcase, the fair features thematic displays, live craft demonstrations, knowledge sessions and cultural programmes. Mr. Rohit Dhall, Vice President, IHGF Delhi Fair, said expert sessions during the event will cover subjects such as “Trends for the Next Generation”, “Brand Narrative and Visual Merchandising”, and “Digitalisation and AI for Exporters.”

Simrandeep Singh Kohli, Vice President, added that the edition features special representations of crafts from the eastern region with a focus on Bihar, along with handicrafts and handlooms from across India.

EPCH Executive Director R K Verma said the Council has undertaken extensive global promotion campaigns to attract buyers. “Overseas buyers from more than 110 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan, UAE, and Australia, are participating in the fair,” he said.

Representatives from leading international brands and retailers such as WHSmith Global Sourcing (Hong Kong), El Puerto De Liverpool (Mexico), Landmark Group (UAE), and The TJX Companies (USA) are attending the show, alongside Indian retail leaders like Fabindia, Reliance Retail, Pepperfry, and Shoppers Stop.

EPCH, the nodal body for promoting India’s handicraft exports, reported total exports worth Rs 33,123 crore (USD 3,918 million) in 2024–25. The fair continues to serve as a vital platform for artisans, exporters and buyers to connect, collaborate, and celebrate India’s diverse craft heritage.

When: October 13-17

Where: India Expo Centre, Greater Noida