The IIJS Bharat Tritiya 2026 has once again solidified its reputation as a premier global stage, but this year, the spotlight shines brightest on the roots of Indian artistry. The Crafts Pavilion, a dedicated enclave within the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tagged jewellery.

By centering these heritage crafts, the exhibition bridges the gap between ancient tribal and royal traditions and the modern global marketplace.

The pavilion received high-level recognition with the visit of Chief Guest Gunjan Krishna, IAS. Her presence underscored the government’s commitment to the “Vocal for Local” initiative and the formalization of the she . Krishna engaged directly with artisans, emphasizing that these crafts are not just products, but cultural intellectual property. Her visit served as a powerful endorsement of the need to integrate traditional GI-tagged clusters into the mainstream export supply chain.

Spotlight on GI-Tagged Masterpieces

The pavilion featured four distinct traditions that represent the geographical diversity and technical brilliance of Indian craftsmanship:

• Thewa (Pratapgarh, Rajasthan): An extraordinary technique involving the fusion of intricately patterned 23K gold foils onto multicolored molten glass. It creates a shimmering, stained-glass effect that has been a guarded secret for centuries.

• Benarasi Thewa (Uttar Pradesh): A regional evolution of the classic Thewa, often incorporating motifs inspired by the rich textile heritage of Varanasi, blending the worlds of “Ganga-Jamuni” culture into wearable art.

• Cuttack Silver Filigree (Tarakasi, Odisha): Known for its ethereal, lace-like appearance, this craft involves twisting thin silver wires into complex floral and geometric patterns. It represents the pinnacle of precision and patience.

• Hupari Silverwork (Maharashtra): Hailing from the silver hub near Kolhapur, Hupari work is renowned for its durability and unique designs, particularly in seamless silver chains and traditional ornaments like payals (anklets).

The inclusion of these crafts at IIJS Bharat Tritiya is a strategic move for the industry:

1. Preservation through Profit: By connecting artisans with international buyers, the pavilion ensures that these “dying arts” remain economically viable for the next generation.
2. Global Differentiation: In a world of mass-produced 3D-printed jewellery, India’s GI-tagged crafts offer a “unique selling proposition” (USP) of authenticity and soul.
3. Traceability and Trust: The GI tag acts as a certificate of origin, giving global consumers’ confidence in the heritage and ethical sourcing of their jewelry.

Source: GJEPC