Mysuru’s Shilp Samagam Mela is bringing craft makers and shoppers together at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, with the nine-day fair scheduled to continue until October 19. An October 17 update from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment lists 83 stalls, including 80 allotted to artisans.
The participants include 37 women artisans, with representation from 12 states and Union Territories. The stalls offer products such as handloom sarees, block-printed textiles, terracotta pieces and wooden toys. The ministry describes the event as a way for artisans from its target communities to meet customers directly.
Three organisations under the ministry are jointly organising the fair: NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC. The ministry says participating artisans receive free stalls and support for expenses including travel and transporting goods, under the applicable arrangements. The announcement describes support for participation, rather than guaranteed sales.
NSFDC’s own guidance explains that helping beneficiaries attend fairs is part of its wider marketing assistance. It names exhibitions such as Dilli Haat and Surajkund alongside Shilp Samagam, and also describes cluster-development programmes for artisans and weavers. The Mysuru event sits within that broader approach to helping makers reach buyers.
For visitors, the fair offers a chance to look at a range of handmade goods in one place. For the makers, direct conversations with potential customers are the central opportunity. Anyone planning a visit should confirm the day’s opening arrangements locally before travelling.
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