The event has been organised by the Uttar Pradesh Matir Kala Board under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Anil Kumar Sagar, Principal Secretary of the Khadi and Village Industries Department, was also present at the inauguration.
Held under the theme ‘Mitti Se Sanskriti, Sanskriti Se Samriddhi’ (Culture from Clay, Prosperity from Culture), the festival will run from October 28 to November 7, 2026. Artisans from various districts of Uttar Pradesh are exhibiting and selling traditional and contemporary clay craft products, home décor items and artistic creations. The event aims to provide artisans with opportunities to showcase and market their products while bringing wider recognition to the state's rich pottery and clay craft traditions.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Rakesh Sachan said clay art is an integral part of Uttar Pradesh's cultural heritage and rural life. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, the state government is working to provide artisans associated with the traditional craft with modern technology, advanced equipment, financial assistance and market access.
The objective, he said, is to increase artisans' incomes, give their work greater recognition and transform traditional skills into new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Sachan also emphasised the need to develop clay craft products in line with changing market demand. The government is focusing on product quality, attractive designs, packaging, branding and digital marketing. Efforts are also underway to connect artisans with modern production techniques and expand market access so they can receive fair value for their work.
More than 48,000 Artisan Families Identified
The Uttar Pradesh Matir Kala Board was established on July 19, 2018. Through the board, more than 48,000 artisan families have been identified so far. To ensure access to raw materials, approximately 40,000 artisans have benefited from land and lease-related facilities for obtaining clay.
These measures are intended to help families engaged in traditional clay crafts secure the resources needed to sustain their businesses.
More than 18,400 Electric Potter's Wheels Distributed
To modernise clay crafts and increase artisans' production capacity, the state has distributed more than 18,400 electric potter's wheels so far. During the current financial year, the government aims to provide an additional 2,740 electric wheels. Modern equipment related to pottery and diya manufacturing is also being made available.
These facilities are expected to help artisans improve their production processes and manufacture products that meet market requirements.
Chief Minister's Matir Kala Employment Scheme Supports Self-Employment
Under the Chief Minister's Matir Kala Employment Scheme, more than 1,300 enterprises have been established so far through financial assistance and bank loans. For the current financial year, a target of establishing 300 additional enterprises has been set.
The scheme provides people engaged in clay crafts with opportunities to start their own businesses and develop traditional pottery and related activities into sustainable economic ventures.
Common Facility Centres Established in 10 Districts
To provide shared infrastructure and technical facilities to artisans, 10 Common Facility Centres (CFCs) have been established across Pilibhit, Rampur, Kannauj, Amroha, Barabanki, Firozabad, Bijnor, Amethi, Bareilly and Jalaun.
The centres are intended to provide production-related facilities and improve the operational efficiency of artisans working in the traditional craft sector.
Training Target Set for 4,900 Artisans
The government has set a target of training approximately 4,900 artisans during the current financial year to improve their proficiency in modern technology, equipment operation and enterprise management.
In addition, 128 cooperative societies have been registered to organise artisans, strengthen collective entrepreneurship and improve their bargaining capacity in the marketplace. Awards at the divisional and state levels have also been instituted to recognise and encourage artisans who demonstrate outstanding work.
Equipment and Loan Sanction Letters Distributed at Inauguration
During the inauguration of the festival, five artisans were provided with free electric potter's wheels, while two artisans received pug mills to support their production activities.
Loan sanction cheques were also distributed to beneficiaries of the Chief Minister's Matir Kala Employment Scheme. The initiatives aim to equip artisans with the resources required for production and strengthen their economic position through self-employment.
The Matir Kala Mahotsav 2026 is an initiative to promote Uttar Pradesh's traditional craftsmanship, connect locally produced goods with markets and support the rural economy. Through technological upgrades, skill development, financial assistance and marketing facilities, the state government is seeking to strengthen the clay craft sector and expand opportunities for artisans under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership.
Sachan appealed to citizens to adopt clay craft products made by local artisans and promote the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, reinforcing efforts to support traditional skills and the livelihoods of artisan families.
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