Lucknow: The “Laghu Khadi and Village Industries Exhibition” organised by the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board concluded on Saturday at the Board headquarters premises, witnessing an impressive surge in sales during the Holi season. Held from February 20 to 28, the exhibition provided artisans and entrepreneurs from across the state a vibrant platform to showcase and market their products.
The exhibition was organised under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and under the guidance of MSME, Silk, Handloom and Textile, Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan. The initiative reflects the state government’s continued efforts to promote Khadi, strengthen rural entrepreneurship and expand self-employment opportunities.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Chief Guest Ravindra Kumar, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), honoured outstanding entrepreneurs with awards, mementoes and certificates of appreciation. Gramodaya Sansthan, Sitapur, received the first prize in the Khadi products category, followed by Shruti Shukla, Lucknow, in second place and Draksha Fashion, Lucknow, in third place.
In his address, the Chief Guest emphasised that the objective of the exhibition was to provide market access to local artisans and promote indigenous products. He noted that the state government is consistently working to enhance product quality, strengthen branding and connect more individuals with self-employment opportunities in the Khadi and village industries sector.
A total of 46 stalls were set up at the exhibition, featuring Khadi garments, herbal gulal, papad and bari, namkeen, honey, amla-based products, bedsheets, gamchas, towels, kurta-pyjamas, silk and handloom sarees, and handicraft-based textiles. With Holi festivities boosting consumer demand, the exhibition recorded total sales of Rs 54.23 lakh this year — surpassing last year’s figure of Rs 50.17 lakh.
The exhibition emerged as a major attraction during the festive season, reflecting growing public interest in Swadeshi products and reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to promoting Khadi and rural industries.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Financial Advisor Manvendra Singh, who expressed gratitude to participating entrepreneurs, visitors, media representatives and officials for making the exhibition a success.
