Lakhpati Didis Showcase Rural Handloom and Handicraft Enterprises at Bharat Tex 2026
DAY-NRLM pavilion highlights women-led Self Help Group enterprises, traditional crafts, market linkages and the Saras Shakti Collection during the four-day textile event.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) concluded its participation at Bharat Tex 2026 on 17 July 2026 through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Over the four-day event, the Ministry's pavilion featured products created by Lakhpati Didis associated with Self Help Groups (SHGs) from across India.
The pavilion provided a platform for rural women entrepreneurs to engage with buyers, industry representatives and visitors while presenting a range of handloom and handicraft products.
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), concluded its participation at Bharat Tex 2026 by showcasing products and enterprises led by Lakhpati Didis from Self Help Groups across the country.
During the four-day exhibition, the Ministry's pavilion served as a platform for rural women entrepreneurs to interact with buyers, exporters, industry representatives and visitors from India and abroad.
Officials Visit DAY-NRLM Pavilion
On the concluding day of the event, the pavilion was visited by:
- Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles
- Shri T.K. Anil Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
- Ms. Jayasree, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
- Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development
The delegation was received by Dr. Molishree, Director, DAY-NRLM.
During the visit, the officials interacted with participating Lakhpati Didis, learned about their entrepreneurial journeys and viewed the range of handloom and handcrafted products produced by women-led SHG enterprises.
Platform for Market Engagement
Throughout the exhibition, the Ministry's pavilion facilitated interactions between participating women entrepreneurs and buyers, exporters, industry stakeholders and visitors.
The engagement enabled participants to present their products, exchange ideas with industry representatives and explore market opportunities.
Traditional Textile and Craft Products Displayed
The exhibition featured handloom and handicraft products representing different regions of India.
Among the products showcased were:
- Pattachitra
- Pen Kalamkari
- Phulkari embroidery
- Eri silk
- Pashmina
The display reflected the textile traditions and handcrafted products produced by rural women associated with Self Help Groups.
Saras Shakti Collection
One of the featured initiatives at the pavilion was the Saras Shakti Collection, a premium gifting initiative under DAY-NRLM.
The collection includes handcrafted products created by rural women SHGs with emphasis on:
- Quality
- Design
- Packaging
- Market readiness
The initiative supports access to institutional and premium markets while preserving traditional crafts.
Support Through DAY-NRLM
The participation of Lakhpati Didis at Bharat Tex 2026 highlighted the role of women-led SHG enterprises in the textile and handicraft sector.
According to the Ministry, DAY-NRLM supports rural women through:
- Access to finance
- Skill development
- Enterprise development
- Market linkages
These measures are intended to support income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
Lakhpati Didi Initiative
The Ministry stated that DAY-NRLM has mobilised over 10 crore rural women into Self Help Groups across India.
Building on this community network, the Lakhpati Didi initiative focuses on strengthening livelihoods, increasing incomes and supporting sustainable enterprises.
The Government stated that the initiative has crossed the milestone of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis and is working towards the target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis.
The Ministry's participation at Bharat Tex 2026 focused on promoting market access for women-led rural enterprises, supporting India's textile and craft heritage and facilitating connections with national and international markets through DAY-NRLM.