The artisans of Gandhi Shilp Bazaar are participating in this year’s Hornbill Festival with the best of their finest products at reasonable prices. With the location at Dimori Cove Kigwema, distanced away from the main venue of the festival, the artisans awaits for the customers to visit their stalls.

Debashish, the incharge of Gandhi Shilp Bazaar said that 50 artisans from all over Northeast  are showcasing their products especially from Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal, Meghalaya and Nagaland itself. They event will be held from December 1 – 7.

He said that the products are mainly handmade and if the visitors come to purchase their products, their livelihood will be lifted and sustain them financially. This is the main objective of the program organising in different parts of India, he added.  “This is the first time in Hornbill festival but we did not find an appropriate location at the main festival venue,” Debasish said.  He also said that products made of   Cane bamboo from Assam and traditional shawls from Nagaland itself is very popular, and Meghalaya products such as baskets made of bamboo and grasses are unique products because they are all handcrafted. He Informed that the entry is free and requested the public to visit the stalls and support the artisans.

The artisans at the stall informed that the sale during the first day of Hornbill festival did not witness much visitors but day by day the sales are improving.

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One of the artisans who is also a state awardee from Nagaland shared that her sale is somehow doing good, adding that her products are multi-purpose. Engaged in hand embroidery, she said they will try her best level to promote her business, and looks forward to participate in the next Hornbill festival.

One of the artisans who sells handloom products expressed that she has suffered loss due to the distance. ‘Many tourists visit the main venue but we don’t get much visitors here,’ she said.

A handmade Jute craft artisan who is around 80 year old from Dupri, Assam with an experience of more than 30 years is participating for the first time. The artisan says that she hopes to see more visitors and expects to participate in the next Hornbill festival.

Another artisan from Assam, Jorhat also expressed his disappointment in the low sales despite participating in such a big festival. He hopes for more visitors to come and check out the products brought from other states.

The incharge Informed that an artisan had to apply through online in the departmental website and the selection was done by the local director. Stalls were provided to the artisans for free by the Ministry and the artisans will receive travel allowances . The main objective of the government is to promote the local products and uplift their livelihood.