India’s handicrafts reflect its cultural heritage, shaped by skilled artisans over generations. Building on previous editions, Craftकथा 4.0 celebrates this legacy with the theme “Handicrafts of India – Legacies of Bharat,” showcasing over 20 craft groups. In collaboration with My E-Haat by HCLFoundation and in association with the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi, the event connects artisans, designers, and enthusiasts through exhibitions, workshops, and discussions. Craft Katha along with Craft Week, from October 9 – 13, 2026, will further promote artisan participation and public engagement, highlighting the enduring legacies of Bharat and the crafts that enrich India’s cultural landscape.

What to Expect ( Craftकथा 4.0 Segments)

Kaarigarमंच
Kaarigarमंच is an engaging dialogue that brings artisans together with key stakeholders from across the Indian handicraft ecosystem to deliberate on the challenges, opportunities, and way forward for the sector.

Craftहाट
An open marketplace bringing together artisans, craft enterprises, designers, buyers, and conscious consumers. Discover authentic handmade products while meeting the people and communities behind them.

कलाClass
Interactive, hands-on workshops led by artisans and craft practitioners. Learn traditional techniques, understand the stories behind motifs and materials, and experience the joy of making by hand.

Shilp Charcha
Cluster interaction under Shilp Charcha will create an interactive platform for students to directly engage with artisan groups, learn about their craft traditions, cultural histories, raw materials and processes, and understand the knowledge and skills passed down through generations. Through these conversations, students will gain a deeper appreciation of craft, community identity, sustainability, and the lived experiences of artisans.

Theme Pavilion
The Theme Pavilion will be the central experiential space at Craftकथा 4.0. Rooted in the theme “Legacies of Bharat,” the pavilion will explore the stories, skills, materials, and knowledge that shape India’s diverse craft traditions.

Through an immersive experience, it will encourage visitors to look beyond the finished product and understand the people, processes, and cultural heritage behind handmade crafts. It will also highlight the importance of authenticity, responsible consumption, and sustaining the livelihoods of communities that keep these traditions alive.

Crafts Showcased

Craftकथा 4.0 brings together a diverse selection of India’s traditional and contemporary craft practices, representing different regions, materials, communities, and techniques.

From embroideries to Handicrafts such as metal, wood, clay, natural fibres, and other indigenous crafts, the showcase celebrates the richness and diversity of India’s handmade heritage.

Who Should Come

Craftकथा welcomes everyone who is curious about India’s craft heritage and its future:

• Artisans, designers, and craft entrepreneurs
• Students, educators, and researchers
• Craft enthusiasts, collectors, and culture lovers
• Architects, fashion professionals, and creative practitioners
• Policymakers, CSR professionals, and development practitioners
• Buyers, retailers, and sustainable brands
• Anyone who believes in the value of handmade traditions

Why Join Us

• Explore and shop authentic handmade products
• Meet and engage directly with artisans and craft communities
• Discover diverse craft traditions from across India
• Experience traditional crafts through hands-on workshops
• Be a part of conversations shaping the future of the craft sector
• Discover how traditional knowledge can inspire contemporary design
• Celebrate the stories, skills, and legacies that make India’s crafts unique