State Handicrafts Fair, Siliguri
The State Handicrafts Fair is the largest handicraft and handloom expo in North Bengal. It is annually held to bridge the gap between North Bengal consumers and rural south-western artisans, operating with zero entry fees for the general public.
Key Highlights & Attractions
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Massive Scale: The fair features around 650 artisans and weavers traveling from all 23 districts of West Bengal to display their goods.
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Turnover Milestones: This winter mela averages a massive retail footprint, generating direct revenue of over ₹11 Crores in on-the-spot sales annually, with additional business-to-business (B2B) supply orders totaling several crores more.
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Artisan Welfare Initiatives: During these events, the MSME department utilizes the hub to roll out welfare facilities like distributing digital Artisan ID Cards and extending access to specialized government credit cards/loans.
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Handlooms: Authentic hand-spun Khadi cotton, Muslin shirts, Baluchari, Dhakai Jamdani, and intricate Kantha stitch sarees.
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Artisanal Homeware: Organic jute bags, cane and bamboo patio furniture, and traditional terracotta artifacts manufactured by rural self-help groups.
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Metal and Wood Craft: Distinct Dokra brass figurines, regional wooden masks, and localized clay pottery.
Venue & Organization
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Location: Permanent government-built complex, Biswa Bangla Shilpi Haat at Kawakhali Mela Ground, Siliguri, West Bengal, India.
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Institutional Delegation: The inaugural ceremony highlighted strong convergence across state ministries, urban governance, and rural industry boards.
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CEO of WBKVIB: Representing the West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board, facilitating funding, training, and direct stall allocations for registered weavers and spinners.