May 25: The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conferences (VGRC) are emerging as a major platform for promoting Gujarat’s rich cultural legacy by showcasing the state’s internationally recognised Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handicrafts and traditional art forms.
The conferences aim to strengthen local entrepreneurship, preserve centuries-old craftsmanship, and create broader business and market opportunities for artisans, weavers, and rural craft communities across Gujarat.
A wide range of iconic GI-tagged products are being featured at the events, including Sankheda furniture from Vadodara, renowned for its handcrafted lacquered teakwood designs; Pethapur printing blocks from Gandhinagar used in traditional textile printing; and the historic Agates of Cambay gemstone craft, which traces its origins back to the Harappan civilisation.
Traditional textile and folk art forms such as Mata ni Pachhedi, Ahmedabad Sodagari block printing, Sujani weaving from Bharuch, Surat Sadeli craft, and Gujarat Suf embroidery are also drawing attention for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance.
Each regional conference is highlighting the distinct artistic identity of different parts of the state. The Central Gujarat Meet in Vadodara is focusing on indigenous and tribal art traditions including Pithora paintings, Dahod bead work, and Khambhat kite-making. The South Gujarat Meet in Surat celebrated the GI recognition of Surat cut diamonds alongside regional handloom products, while the Kutch and Saurashtra conference in Rajkot showcased globally admired textile traditions such as Kutch Ajrakh and Tangaliya weaving.
Officials stated that the initiative is helping artisans gain greater visibility and connect directly with buyers, exporters, and industry stakeholders. The conferences are also playing an important role in encouraging preservation of traditional crafts while supporting sustainable livelihoods for artisan communities.
The VGRC platform reflects Gujarat’s broader vision of combining cultural preservation with economic growth by promoting heritage-based industries at both national and international levels.
