West Bengal State Handicraft Expo, 2015

The West Bengal Handicraft Expo also popularly known as the Paschim Banga Rajya Hosto Shilpo Mela is an annual event that occurs at the Milan Mela Prangan in Kolkata. It gets organised by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Export Promotion Society, Government of West Bengal, each year. Mirroring the Milan Mela Prangan, it’s worthwhile to mention here that it is one of the most buzzing hot spots in Kolkata where different types of events and programs occur throughout the calendar year. However, it is during the winters beginning from the first week of October to mid February it turns into an one stop venue for sporting different kinds of exhibitions, expos and fairs.

This year, in 2015 the expo begins from 20th of November, 2015 and would last until 13th of December, 2015. So, a good number of twenty-four days is available to change the mood and lighten up the spirits for the Kolkatans. Indeed, bragging as the largest handicraft fair in India it occurs around four weeks or for twenty-four days in precise. It’s a humble initiative by the government to bring into the limelight the rich artwork of the state. Also, the event leverages and encourages the handicraft artists to participate in the fair. Understandably, this time around 3600 handicraft artists is participating in this artistry event. The event represents a colourful atmosphere displaying artistry and perfection in the right blend – a platform showcasing talent and class in the perfect mix.

Apart from highlighting the natural talent of the craftsmen artists it also helps in promoting the micro, small and medium enterprises to the full potential.

What could we do in the fair? Well, it’s like an opportunity for us to explore the arts and artists of West Bengal, all in one place. Provided, you get some time to spare in a creative way, make sure to visit the fair along with friends and family to get the flair of artistry with some talented mastery. While moving through the stalls, one after the other, you would find the artists busy creating or crafting their masterpieces. Explore everything beginning from different types of pots, mats, bags to wall-hangings, pictures. For buyers debit and credit cards facility is available as well. After all, It’s only by having a look at these colourful masterpiece artworks we could realise the soaring height these handcraft artworks could reach in the coming years with exposure. True, there is no dearth to talent or creativity and it is through exposure and potential coverage it would gain momentum.

To sum up, it is a nice spot to be amongst the raw and seasoned creative works that not only touches the mind, but also the heart. Believe it or not, it is after all a win-win-win situation for us. A delightful sight is a win for the eyes, a win for the eyes means a win for the heart and winning the heart means winning the soul and our inner selves.

Venue: Milan Mela Prangan

Date: 20th of November, 2015 to 13th of December, 2015.

Time: 1:30pm to 8:30pm everyday

Entry: Free