Bonalu Season To Feature State-Level Artisan Fair in Hyderabad From July 16

In a major initiative to promote Telangana's traditional crafts and support rural livelihoods during the Ashada Bonalu festival , the Telangana government will organise a State-Level Handicrafts and Artisan Exhibition-cum-Sales Fair from July 16 at the HMDA Grounds near the Dr B.R. Ambedkar statue in Hyderabad .

The exhibition is being organised jointly by the Rural Development Department and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) . The event aims to provide traditional artisans from across Telangana with a platform to showcase and directly sell their products to consumers without the involvement of intermediaries, enabling them to secure better returns for their work.

Officials said the fair has been specially planned to coincide with the Bonalu celebrations, allowing devotees to access a wide variety of festival-related products at a single location. The exhibition will also highlight Telangana's rich cultural traditions and the craftsmanship of communities that have preserved these skills for generations.

Artisans representing several traditional occupations, including potters, blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, goldsmiths, stone sculptors, basket makers and leather craftsmen , are expected to participate. The government said more stalls will be set up this year compared to the previous edition, creating opportunities for a larger number of artisans to market their products.

Among the key attractions will be a comprehensive range of Bonalu essentials such as clay Bonam pots, earthen lamps, bamboo baskets, sieves, brass and copper vessels, kalashams, bells, floral decorations, ceremonial fabrics, bangles, bead ornaments and puja materials . Visitors will also find handcrafted decorative items used for Bonam offerings and festival celebrations.

Traditional cultural accessories associated with Bonalu processions will also be available. These include Pothuraju whips, ankle bells, dappus, drums and other folk instruments , along with wooden prayer platforms, decorative structures and handcrafted ritual items.

According to officials, Bonalu is one of the most important festivals for thousands of traditional artisans, generating significant seasonal demand for their products. The exhibition is expected to expand market access, improve incomes and strengthen the economic sustainability of artisan families.

The government said the initiative is part of its broader efforts to preserve traditional crafts, support artisan livelihoods and safeguard Telangana's cultural heritage . Authorities have urged devotees and visitors attending Bonalu festivities in Hyderabad to visit the fair and support local artisans through the purchase of handmade products, helping ensure that age-old crafts continue to thrive for future generations.