The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with TULIP, organized the Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 in Bengaluru from September 5th to 14th, 2025. Held at Freedom Park, the mela showcased the handicrafts and cultural heritage of India, featuring 75 stalls representing artisans from over 13 states. The event highlighted the skills of artisans from diverse communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Safai Mitras. The mela was inaugurated by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, along with Minister of State Shri Ramdas Athawale, Member of Parliament Shri P.C. Mohan, and officials from the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Karnataka. In addition to the craft displays, the mela featured evening cultural programs including folk dances, traditional music, and storytelling. The Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 served as a marketplace for artisans and a celebration of India's artistic legacy and unity in diversity.
Key Entities Referenced
Shilp Samagam Mela 2025: A crafts and culture fair held in Bengaluru.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The organizing ministry of the Shilp Samagam Mela 2025.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: The city and state where the Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 is being held.
TULIP: Collaborator with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the Shilp Samagam Mela 2025.
Dr. Virendra Kumar: Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, who inaugurated the mela.
Scheduled Castes: One of the diverse communities of artisans participating in Shilp Samagam Mela.
Other Backward Classes: One of the diverse communities of artisans participating in Shilp Samagam Mela.
Ramdas Athawale: Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Shilp Samagam Mela:Celebration of Art, Craftand
Culture
Posted On: 05 SEP 2025 9:34PM by PIB Delhi
The much-awaited Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 opened today in Bengaluru, bringing to life India’s
extraordinary heritage of crafts and culture. Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,
Government of India, in collaboration with TULIP, the mela will be held from 5th to 14th September 2025 at
Freedom Park, Bengaluru.
This year’s edition features 75 stalls of artisans’ handicrafts, showcasing exquisite creations ranging from
intricate metalwork, wooden artifacts, cane and bamboo products, pottery, textiles, and handwoven treasures
of more than 13 states. The mela reflects India’s rich artistic legacy while also serving as a vital marketplace
where artisans engage with urban and international audiences.Shilp Samagam Mela highlights the skills of
artisans from diverse communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and
Safai Mitras.
Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the mela today, in the
presence of Honble Shri Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State, SJE, Shri P.C.Mohan, Hon’ble Member of
Parliament, Bengaluru Central and senior officials of SJE and Social Welfare Dept. Government of
Karnataka, artisans, and cultural representatives.
Each evening, the mela will transforms into a cultural festival with folk dances, traditional music, and
storytelling performances, giving visitors a glimpse into India’s living heritage.Shilp Samagam Mela 2025,
Bengaluru is more than a craft fairit is a celebration of India’s unity in diversity, ensuring that every artisan’s
story is heard, every tradition honoured, and every craft valued.****
KV
(Release ID: 2164313)