Patna: The three-day Craft Bazaar and Spectrum 2026 hosted by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Patna concluded on March 14 at its Mithapur Farms campus, bringing together artisans, designers, students and visitors in a celebration of India’s craft heritage and creative talent.
The closing ceremony was attended by Giriraj Singh, Union minister of textiles, who praised the institute’s efforts to promote traditional crafts while creating new opportunities for artisans and young designers.
The event served as a platform for artisans to showcase handloom and handicraft products, interact with customers and build new market linkages, while also enabling students to engage with India’s craft traditions through design and innovation.
The final day began with an Artisan Awareness Workshop, aimed at strengthening artisans’ knowledge and skills. Later in the evening, Singh visited the Craft Bazaar stalls where artisans from different parts of Bihar displayed a diverse range of handcrafted products.
He interacted with artisans and appreciated their craftsmanship, while school students and members of women’s self-help groups associated with JEEViKA also attended the event and explored the stalls.
During a felicitation ceremony, the chief guest was presented with a bonsai plant and a traditional stole by the director of NIFT Patna.
In his address, Singh emphasised the importance of preserving India’s rich craft traditions while connecting them with contemporary markets. He said initiatives such as the Craft Bazaar help artisans reach wider audiences while encouraging young designers to incorporate traditional craft techniques into modern fashion and lifestyle products.
Col Rahul Sharma, director of NIFT Patna, highlighted the institute’s commitment to preserving India’s craft heritage while integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary design education.
The evening concluded with student-led cultural and fashion programmes under Spectrum 2026, including the Spectrum Fashion Walk that showcased innovative fashion creations inspired by traditional crafts and modern design ideas.
The programme also featured the Mr and Ms Spectrum competition, highlighting students’ creativity and confidence. The festival ended with an awards ceremony recognising winners of various competitions.
Organisers said the successful conclusion of Craft Bazaar and Spectrum 2026 reflected NIFT Patna’s continuing efforts to promote craft-based entrepreneurship, empower artisans and build stronger connections between traditional craftsmanship and the next generation of designers.
