Karigar Mela, Amazon India’s bi-annual celebration of traditional craftsmanship, is returning in 2024 with the theme 'Thriving Sustainability with Handmade.' The event, scheduled for April 11, 2024, aims to honour India's diverse crafts and artisans and showcase their dedication to promoting sustainability, eco-friendly materials, and recycling techniques within the handmade industry.
The Mela provides a platform for artisans to reach a wider audience this year, with over 2000 sellers showcasing a diverse range of over 2 lakh products. This extensive selection fosters a deeper appreciation for handmade goods and the rich cultural heritage of India, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive sustainably.
With the support of government and social enterprise partners such as NRLM, NULM, GAME, Deasra, etc., Karigar Mela encourages artisans to utilise natural and eco-friendly materials, prioritise local production, and champion livelihoods within artisan communities, reads a company statement.
The focus is on using renewable and biodegradable materials such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk, grown or harvested without harmful chemicals. By using these materials, artisans uphold centuries-old traditions and contribute to environmental conservation and social welfare.
Gaurav Bhatnagar, Head of Seller Acquisition and Development at Amazon India, said, "Karigar Mela is a testament to our unwavering support for these talented artisans, providing them with a platform to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship to a global audience.”
Launched in 2017, the Amazon Karigar program enables small businesses and specialised micro-entrepreneurs like weavers, artisans, and artisans to benefit from e-commerce, grow their businesses, and, in many cases, revive some dying art forms from the country.
