Guwahati: National Handicraft Week is celebrated every year across India from 8–14 December as a tribute to the country’s artisans and their craftsmanship.
The week highlights traditional crafts and promotes the handicraft sector — culturally and economically — by recognizing artisans, showcasing craftsmanship, and building market linkages.
The celebrations in Guwahati are being held from 8 to 14 December at the PWD Convention & Training Centre, Dispur. The inauguration was graced by Mantu Chandra Das, noted Shilp Guru Awardee, in presence of Thangjam Jayenta Singh, Assistant Director (Handicrafts), North Eastern Regional Office (NERO), Guwahati on 8/12/2025.
Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme was organized till 10 December while exhibitions will go on till 14th December. Students from Indian Institute of Handloom Technology and Assam Textile Institute also took part in the Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme held on 9/12/2025 and 10/12/2025.
The week-long programme will highlight artisanal skills and engage people, especially younger generations, with traditional crafts. Programme scheduled for National Handicrafts Week also features one day Craft Awareness Programme on 11/12/2025, workshop/Seminar on 12/12/2025 at PWD Convention & Training Centre while Artisan Pehchan ID Card Distribution on 13/12/2025 at Hajo.
Four resource persons graced the occasion of One Day Craft Awareness Programme held on 11/12/2025 namely Hara Kanta Baro, Regional Director, O/o The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), North Eastern Regional Office (NERO), Guwahati; Shyamal Kumar Dey, Assistant General Manager, NABARD; Ankita Goswami, Chartered Accountant and Pallab Jyoti Konwar, Functional Manager, District Industries and Commerce Centre, Govt of Assam. NGOs, artisans and eminent personalities have actively participated in the programme bringing it to successful closure.
The week also coincides with the national awards for master craftsperson’s (for 2023 and 2024), celebrating excellence and encouraging artisans to continue traditional crafts. Altogether 7 artisans (4 from Manipur, 2 from Assam and 1 from Tripura) of North-East received National Awards from President of India Draupadi Murmu on 9/12/2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The crafts of Northeast India — including Assam — are rich in tradition and cultural heritage. An event like this helps preserve those traditions while also giving economic value to artisans. It helps forge stronger linkages between rural artisans and urban consumers/markets, which can lead to sustainable livelihoods and increased recognition of Northeast crafts across India.
