On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the Bhojpur Mahila Kala Kendra (BMKK), in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, inaugurated the seven-day Gandhi Shilp Bazaar at Gandhi Maidan, Gaya, Bihar. This exhibition-cum-sale event aims to promote Indian handicrafts and provide a platform for artisans to showcase and sell their creations.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mrs. Anita Gupta, Secretary of BMKK and recipient of the prestigious Nari Shakti Award by the Honorable President of India. She was joined by Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Assistant Director from the Ministry of Textiles; Mrs. Jyoti Devi, MLA from Barachatti; Professor Rahul Kumar from Gaya College, and Mr. Santosh Kumar, Executive Director of BMKK. Together, they lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the commencement of this significant event.

Empowering Artisans and Women

During her address, Mrs. Anita Gupta emphasized the importance of adopting handicrafts as a sustainable livelihood. She highlighted the increasing participation of women artisans in such events, reflecting their growing empowerment and prominence across various fields. “This bazaar aims to inspire artisans to embrace their crafts as a source of income and personal growth,” she stated.

Mrs. Jyoti Devi, the MLA of Barachatti, echoed this sentiment, encouraging the people of Gaya to actively participate in the event and support local artisans. “This fair is a step toward empowering women and promoting self-reliance. I urge everyone to visit and make this event a grand success. If artisans face any issues during the fair, they can notify the information center in writing,” she added.

Unique Features of Gandhi Shilp Bazaar

Mr. Mukesh Kumar, Assistant Director from the Office of the Development Commissioner, Patna, shared insights about the unique aspects of the bazaar. He highlighted that the artisans participating in the event directly sell their products, eliminating the role of middlemen. This ensures that the artisans receive fair compensation for their work.

The bazaar features an array of exquisite handcrafted items, including, but not limited to:

Appliqué work
Paintings
Jewelry
Decorative items
Candles

These products are available at reasonable prices, making them accessible to all visitors.

Event Details

Duration: January 24, 2025, to January 30, 2025
Location: Gandhi Maidan, Gaya, Bihar
Number of Stalls: 50

This seven-day event provides a platform for artisans to connect directly with customers, promote their skills, and earn a livelihood. It also serves as an opportunity for the local community to appreciate and support traditional Indian craftsmanship.

Conclusion

The Gandhi Shilp Bazaar 2025 is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its artisans. With initiatives like these, organizations like BMKK are paving the way for a brighter future, where empowerment and creativity go hand in hand. Visit Gandhi Maidan, Gaya, and be a part of this vibrant event to support artisans and cherish the beauty of handcrafted art.