Amazon India to host 'Handicrafts Mela' to support artisans, weavers

On Saturday, Amazon.in said it would host a virtual 'Handicrafts Mela' from September 26 to October 10, showcasing more than 270 types of art and craft from different parts of the world.

Amazon India said in a statement that more than eight lakh artisans and weavers affiliated with 1,500 Amazon Karigar sellers and 17 government emporiums like Tantuja, Harit Khadi, Tribes India and national-level artisan organisations such as Craftmark and Dastkari Haat Samiti will benefit from this mela.

The statement said that Amazon's Handicrafts Mela, which will showcase over 55,000 unique products, will help customers discover and buy products from artisans and weavers from various parts of the country by visiting specific sections such as the handloom zone, home dcor handicrafts, kitchen pieces, handmade toys, handcrafted festive collection and others.

Amazon India Director - MSME and Seller Experience Mr Pranav Bhasin said, "Exhibitions and melas have been the primary avenues through which karigars have been able to reach their customers. However, as these on ground events have been brought to a grinding halt, the online marketplace has emerged as an avenue that these sellers can leverage to reach customers across the country during the festive season".

Amazon India, through a virtual Handicrafts Mela, aims to generate market demand for arts and crafts that represent the country's cultural heritage, he added.

In July this year, the e-commerce giant also organised a 10-week 'Stand for Handmade' campaign to support the revival of the companies of these artisans and weavers.

Mr Bhasin further said, "Considering the success witnessed by sellers through previous sale events and initiatives we rolled out, we're optimistic about the positive impact that Handicrafts Mela will have in the lives of lakhs of artisans and weavers from across the country".

Amazon India had launched the Karigar programme in 2016 as part of its efforts to bring all forms of Indian crafts online. Since then, Amazon.in has onboarded more than 3,000 master weavers, co-operatives, artisans and government organisations under various ministries to help artisans sell online.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.