Himachal's Grand Handicraft Festival Returns to Delhi with Bigger Ambitions
The Himachal Pradesh State Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation (HHHC) has launched an ambitious third edition of its popular Him Utsav festival at Dilli Haat in New Delhi. The 15-day event, which commenced on November 16, 2025, features a significant expansion in scale, with stall capacity increased from 60 to 86, reflecting growing confidence in the market for authentic Himachali products.
Revenue Targets and Empowering Artisans
With a bold revenue target of approximately Rs 2.5 crore, the corporation is building on previous successes. According to HHHC Managing Director Gandharva Rathore, the festival has shown consistent growth since its inception in 2023. "In the first year, HHHC earned Rs 1.70 crore, which increased to nearly Rs 2 crore in 2024. This time, we have set a target of approximately Rs 2.50 crore", Rathore stated, highlighting the event's expanding commercial impact.
The festival primarily showcases products from women-led self-help groups (SHGs) across Himachal Pradesh. In a significant move toward artisan welfare, all proceeds from sales will go directly to the creators, with neither the state government nor the Corporation taking any share of the profits. However, selected artisans are responsible for their own accommodation and logistics.
Diverse Product Range and Strategic Allocation
The expanded stall allocation demonstrates a strategic approach to showcasing Himachal's diverse offerings. The breakdown includes 16 stalls for the Rural Livelihood Mission (RLM), five stalls dedicated to agriculture and forest products, with the remaining stalls featuring traditional handicraft and handloom items. The product range is dominated by exquisite handloom textiles, intricate handicrafts, and natural and organic farm products that represent the state's rich cultural heritage.
Despite some challenges in the selection process, where artisans promoting products on social media didn't appear before the committee, the organization has accommodated several startups working in perfumes, fragrances, and decorative items, showing flexibility in supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
Broader Impact and Development Initiatives
The Him Utsav represents just one facet of HHHC's broader mission to support local artisans. During the financial year 2023-2024, the corporation supported 420 artisans and distributed improved toolkits to 340 among them. The following year saw even more extensive outreach with 107 design and technical development workshops and six entrepreneur development programmes, benefiting nearly 2,500 artisans across the state.
The corporation's financial performance has shown positive trends, with a profit of Rs 40.92 lakh in 2021-22 and impressive sales of Rs 4.12 crore worth of handicraft and handloom products between April 1 and July 31, 2024. Beyond the Delhi event, HHHC is organizing two tana bana (handloom) expos in Shimla and Dharamshala during 2024-25, providing free space to 25 weavers to sell directly to customers, further strengthening the state's handicraft ecosystem.
