The inaugural day of the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Gramodyog Board's exhibition in Varanasi witnessed a remarkable commercial success, recording total sales of Rs 18 lakh. The event, officially named the Khadi Gramodyog Exhibition 2025-26, is being hosted at the Urban Haat in Chaukaghat and will run from December 20 to December 29.
Inauguration and Cultural Kick-off
The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Poonam Maurya, the Chairperson of the District Panchayat in Varanasi, alongside Ashok Kumar Tiwari, the Mayor of the Varanasi Municipal Corporation. The opening ceremony was graced by a welcome music program performed by Maa Mundeshwari Music Varanasi, setting a festive and culturally rich tone for the event.
A Bazaar of Diverse Indian Crafts
Shoppers showed enthusiastic support for a wide array of traditional and regional products. The exhibition saw brisk sales across several categories, highlighting the diversity of Indian rural industry. Popular items included:
- Khadi clothing from various regions.
- Pickles and preserves from Pratapgarh and Varanasi.
- Traditional sweets like amla barfi.
- Bedsheets sourced from Sitapur.
- Jackets from the state of Uttarakhand.
- Elegant shawls from Kashmir.
- Vibrant Phulkari embroidery from Punjab.
- Iconic Banarasi sarees and carpets.
Scale and Mission of the Exhibition
The scale of the exhibition is substantial, featuring a total of 113 stalls. Out of these, 25 stalls are dedicated exclusively to khadi products, while the remaining 88 stalls showcase gramodyog (village industry) goods. The primary objective of organizing this event is to provide crucial market access and marketing assistance to rural entrepreneurs. It serves as a significant platform to encourage sales and offer direct exposure to consumers, thereby supporting the growth of grassroots-level businesses and artisans.
The strong first-day sales figure of Rs 18 lakh indicates a promising start for the ten-day exhibition, reflecting a growing public interest in sustainable khadi fabric and handcrafted products from across India. This initiative by the UP Khadi and Gramodyog Board is a vital step in empowering rural economies and preserving traditional crafts.
