IHGF Delhi Autumn Fair 2026 Opens in Greater Noida with Over 3,000 Exhibitors
The 62nd IHGF Delhi Autumn Fair runs from October 13 to 17 at India Expo Centre and Mart, bringing Indian handicraft manufacturers together with international buyers from around 100 countries.
- More than 3,000 exhibitors are participating across 17 halls.
- Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh urged young people to enter the export business.
- India’s handicraft exports reached ₹33,168 crore in 2025–26, according to EPCH.
Greater Noida: The 62nd edition of the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair (IHGF) Delhi Autumn Fair 2026 opened on October 13 at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Scheduled to run until October 17, the five-day event brings together Indian manufacturers, artisans, designers and international buyers to explore business opportunities in the handicrafts and home products industry.
Organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the fair features more than 3,000 exhibitors spread across 17 halls. Buyers from approximately 100 countries are expected to attend. The exhibition showcases a wide range of products, including home decor, furniture, textiles, fashion accessories, handloom products and traditional handicrafts, providing Indian businesses with a platform to explore overseas markets.
Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, who inaugurated the event, called on young people to participate in India’s export industry and help expand the international reach of Indian handicrafts.
He urged the organisers to use the fair as a platform to encourage at least 10% of young people to enter the export trade. The appeal reflects an effort to attract a new generation of entrepreneurs and broaden participation in a sector traditionally supported by established manufacturers, exporters and artisan communities.
Greater involvement from young entrepreneurs could help introduce new business models, product designs and marketing strategies while connecting traditional craftsmanship with changing international consumer preferences.
According to EPCH, India’s handicraft exports stood at ₹33,168 crore in the 2025–26 financial year. The IHGF Delhi Autumn Fair provides manufacturers and exporters with an opportunity to showcase their products, establish business relationships and explore new international markets.
EPCH Chairman Neeraj Khanna said international interest in sourcing products from India was increasing, particularly in labour-intensive industries such as handicrafts. He also highlighted trade agreements involving India and countries or economic blocs such as the UAE, Australia, the United Kingdom, Oman, New Zealand and the European Free Trade Association.
These agreements could create additional opportunities for Indian exporters by improving access to overseas markets, although the benefits for individual businesses will depend on applicable trade provisions, buyer demand and their ability to meet international requirements.
Beyond commercial exhibitions, the event also features a young designers’ collective, regional craft displays and curated collections of handloom and handicraft products. These showcases bring emerging designers and artisans alongside established manufacturers, allowing visitors to explore both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary product concepts.
For small manufacturers and artisan-led businesses, participation in international trade fairs can help increase product visibility, identify potential buyers and build export relationships. The event also offers established exporters an opportunity to understand evolving market preferences and explore new product categories.
The fair will continue until October 17, with participating businesses seeking enquiries, partnerships and export orders from international visitors. The commercial outcome will depend on the number and value of orders secured, rather than visitor attendance alone.
For India’s handicrafts industry, the event provides an opportunity to strengthen export networks, promote regional crafts and encourage new entrepreneurs to enter international trade. The extent to which these opportunities translate into higher exports will become clearer as participating businesses convert buyer interest into confirmed orders.
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