The Ashthalakshmi Buyer Seller Meet commenced on Thursday in Guwahati at the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) campus in Garchuk, bringing together artisans, weavers, buyers, and development agencies from across the Northeastern region.
The three-day event, scheduled from January 8 to January 10, 2026, aims to strengthen market linkages for traditional handloom and handicraft products while positioning Guwahati as a key commercial and cultural gateway for the Northeast.
The Ashthalakshmi Buyer Seller Meet has begun at the NEHHDC campus in Garchuk, Guwahati, bringing together artisans, weavers, buyers, and institutions from across Northeast India. The three-day event, running from January 8 to 10, focuses on promoting regional handloom and handicrafts through direct market interaction.
Platform for Northeast Artisans in Guwahati
The meet is being held at the Garchuk campus of the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation, a central institution for handloom and handicraft promotion in the region.
Artisans and weavers from different Northeastern states have set up product displays, showcasing traditional textiles, bamboo and cane crafts, woodwork, and indigenous designs. Buyers from retail chains, export houses, and institutional bodies are engaging directly with producers, enabling negotiations without intermediaries.
Focus on Market Access and Sustainability
Officials associated with the event said the Buyer Seller Meet is designed to go beyond exhibitions by creating structured business opportunities. Through scheduled interactions, bulk orders, and design discussions, artisans are expected to gain insights into market trends, pricing, and quality requirements.
Development agencies participating in the meet are also interacting with producers to explore capacity-building support, design intervention programmes, and access to financial schemes.
Why Guwahati Matters for the Meet
Guwahati’s selection as the venue reflects its role as the commercial hub of the Northeast. With its connectivity by road, rail, and air, the city acts as a natural meeting point for stakeholders from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.
Officials noted that hosting the event in Guwahati allows better buyer turnout and logistical ease, increasing the chances of meaningful business outcomes for participating artisans.
Crafts Promotion and Experience Centre Spotlight
The event also highlights the Crafts Promotion and Experience Centre at the Garchuk campus, which serves as a permanent platform for showcasing Northeastern crafts. Visitors to the Buyer Seller Meet are being introduced to the centre’s role in preserving traditional skills while adapting products to contemporary markets.
For many Guwahati-based visitors, the meet offers an opportunity to explore the diversity of Northeastern craftsmanship in one location.
Economic and Cultural Significance
Handloom and handicrafts remain a major source of livelihood for thousands of families across the Northeast. Organisers said initiatives like the Ashthalakshmi Buyer Seller Meet are crucial for ensuring that traditional skills translate into sustainable income.
By hosting the event, Guwahati reinforces its position not only as an administrative capital but also as a driver of regional economic and cultural integration.
What Happens Next
The Buyer Seller Meet will continue till January 10, with scheduled buyer–artisan interactions, product demonstrations, and institutional meetings planned over the next two days.
Officials said outcomes of the meet, including confirmed orders and partnership discussions, will be reviewed after the event to assess its impact and plan future editions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ashthalakshmi Buyer Seller Meet being held in Guwahati?
The meet is being held at the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) campus in Garchuk, Guwahati.
What is the objective of the Ashthalakshmi Buyer Seller Meet?
The objective is to promote Northeastern handloom and handicrafts by connecting artisans and weavers directly with buyers, institutions, and development agencies to create sustainable market opportunities.
