NIFT Shillong proudly hosted the inauguration ceremony of its Craft Bazaar, a two-day event celebrating the rich cultural heritage of North East India’s traditional crafts. The ceremony was graced by the presence of the esteemed Chief Guest Mr. N Munish Singh, Regional Director of ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) and Mr. Shankar Kumar Jha, Director of NIFT Shillong. Mr. Jha, welcomed the guests and emphasized the significance of Craft Bazaar in promoting the diverse crafts of North East India. “NIFT Shillong is committed to preserving and promoting the traditional craftsmanship of this region. Our Craft Bazaar provides a platform for artisans from across the North East to showcase their unique creations, interact with designers and consumers, and explore market opportunities. This year we have invited around 25 artisans to participate in the event.” Mr. N Munish Singh, commended NIFT Shillong’s efforts in promoting the craft sector and encouraged the artisans to focus on quality, innovation, and market demand. “It is heartening to see the rich cultural heritage of North East India’s traditional crafts being showcased here. I urge the artisans to leverage this platform to expand their businesses and reach new markets.” He further added by encouraging the students to “combine tradition and fashion. Move ahead while taking along the past. North east is a sea of opportunities due to the diverse cultures. Certain attires and motives are deep rooted in culture, religious beliefs and simple lives of the people”. He expressed enthusiasm in collaborating with NIFT, Shillong in expanding the craft and designs abroad. He said “Fashion, dance and good are always hand in hand and ICCR is ready to take the step forward’. The Craft Bazaar features an impressive array of craftwork from different cultures and products of the artisans. The event aims to promote traditional craftsmanship, support local artisans and small enterprises, and highlight unique and sustainable made-in-India products. NIFT Shillong’s Craft Bazaar is a testament to the institute’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage. The event is open to the public and will conclude on the 26th of March 2025.