Shillong, March 16: The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Shillong successfully concluded its Craft Bazaar 2026 at the State Central Library, IGP, Shillong, providing a vibrant platform for artisans from across the Northeast to showcase their traditional crafts. The Craft Bazaar, held on March 12 and 13, was part of a broader three-day initiative organised by NIFT Shillong from March 11 to 13, aimed at revitalising and strengthening the region’s craft ecosystem.
The programme began with a two-day Artisan Awareness Workshop at the NIFT Shillong campus in Umsawli, Mawpat. The workshop focused on empowering artisans through discussions on design intervention, branding, value addition, and entrepreneurship development. In addition, a Craft Demonstration Programme featured live demonstrations by master artisans, giving students and participants the opportunity to engage closely with traditional skills such as cane and bamboo craft, wood carving, and weaving.
The closing ceremony was attended by Daphiralin Kharjana, Managing Director of Meghalaya Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation (MHHDC), who graced the event as the guest of honour. She highlighted that several villages in Meghalaya have been recognised as art and craft villages, each known for unique traditional skills that reflect the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Rima Sonar, Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Handicrafts Service Centre under the Ministry of Textiles, attended as the special guest and emphasised the importance of supporting indigenous crafts and local artisans. She also appreciated NIFT’s role in organising platforms such as the Craft Bazaar, which help preserve traditional knowledge.
Welcoming the gathering, Rimi Das, Joint Director of NIFT Shillong, said the event celebrated the diverse crafts and textiles of Northeast India while blending tradition with innovation. “Each handmade product at the NIFT Craft Bazaar carries a story of heritage, patience, creativity, and dedication,” she said.
Dr. Brijesh Deore, Director of NIFT Shillong, stated that the initiative reflects the institute’s continued commitment to strengthening the craft ecosystem of the Northeast by bringing together artisans, designers, and institutions to promote dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The event also saw the participation of Manendra Deka, a National Award-winning bamboo weaver from Assam, and Dardeny Sangma, a State Awardee recognised for her work in traditional embroidery.
The Craft Bazaar featured a wide range of handcrafted products including handloom textiles, Larnai pottery, cane and bamboo crafts, eri silk weaving, traditional beaded jewellery, water hyacinth products, and indigenous musical instruments. One of the highlights of the event was a heritage walk, where vibrant textiles and accessories from Northeast India were showcased through creative styling by NIFT faculty and students.
Through initiatives like the Craft Bazaar, NIFT Shillong aims to support artisan communities, preserve traditional knowledge systems, and promote design-led innovation to strengthen the cultural and economic landscape of Meghalaya and the wider Northeast region.
