Greater Noida: Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani today inaugurated the 44th edition of Indian Handicrafts and Gift Fair (IHGF) 2017 at India Expo Centre and Mart in Greater Noida.  

The five-day extravaganza hosting a gathering of over 2,980 exhibitors will have buyers coming from around 100 countries including China, Australia, the US and the UK. "The mega event is a platform for artisans and handicraft exporters... The Export Promotion Council for Handicraft (EPCH) has been offering suggestion and giving feedback to the Ministry of Textiles that can help exporters," Irani said.  

With around 2,000 products under 14 categories for sale, the event will see reputed Indian retail and online brands buying in bulk. "Fab India, Westside, Trends, The Wishing Chair, Furniture Walla, Good Earth and many more will be there for volume buying from the show," Rakesh Kumar, executive director EPCH said.  

The Limca Book of World Records has also recognised the IHGF-Delhi Fair as the world's largest congregation of handicrafts exhibitors under one roof, Kumar claimed. Live demonstrations, regional craft, seminars and much more are lined up for the latest edition of the fair.  

During this edition, a pavilion of cane and bamboo products from the North Eastern region and the Jodhpur cluster will also be set up. The exhibition will continue till October 15. PTI