Bharat Tex 2026: Where Every Thread Opens a New Opportunity
A Global Platform for Indian Textiles
At Bharat Tex 2026, India's textile ambition comes alive through the diversity gathered under one roof. Manufacturers are exhibiting alongside handloom cooperatives, traditional artists and technology ventures. Indian enterprises are exploring global markets, while overseas companies are assessing opportunities in India.
Guided by the 5F vision, Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, it brings together India’s textile heritage, manufacturing strength and innovation on a unified global platform.
The 3rd edition was held held from 14 to 17 July at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It covers the textile value chain across fibre, yarn, fabric, apparel, home textiles, technical textiles, handlooms and handicrafts.
The event has attracted more than 6,000 buyers from over 130 countries and over 1.3 lakh trade visitors. Spread across 1.6 million square feet, the exhibition features over 20,000 textile products.
Beyond the scale of the exhibition, the significance of Bharat Tex is emerging through conversations around recognition, livelihoods and taking locally rooted enterprises to new markets. The event has emerged as a meeting point for heritage, enterprise, sustainability and global commerce.
Where the Making Becomes the Showcase
At the Weaves stall, visitors could watch fabric-making and block printing unfold in real time. Live demonstrations gave visitors a first-hand view at the craftsmanship behind each finished fabric.
Kashyap Kedia, manager at Weaves, represents an enterprise built on six generations of textile experience. The enterprise works with around 200 artisans and reportedly produces nearly 2.5 lakh metres of block-printed fabric. The enterprise works with traditional printing styles including Dabu, Bagru and Batik. “Of our six printing styles, five can only be produced in India, particularly in Rajasthan, where the climate supports the process”, he mentioned.
"This year, the response has been tremendous because we have done live demonstrations," he said. "Potential customers from Qatar, Sri Lanka and Myanmar have come to see our work."
Introducing a Regional Tradition to New Visitors
Bharat Tex is also placing traditional art forms at the centre of global attention. Among them is Tikuli art from Bihar, recognised for its vibrant colours and intricate enamel work.
Arundhati Mahato, a Tikuli folk artist from Patna, is attending Bharat Tex for the first time. “Tikuli is an art form from Patna with a history of over 800 years,” she explained. “It has evolved from decorative tikulis into enamel painting on wood, fabrics and everyday products.”
The art is also creating flexible livelihood opportunities for women. “I have been providing free training to around 25 women who are directly or indirectly associated with me,” she said. “They can make these products from home and work at their own convenience.”
“I feel privileged to have this opportunity to promote Tikuli,” she added. “The response has been overwhelming because many people are still unfamiliar with the art.”
With its debut at Bharat Tex, the art form is gaining greater visibility among textile businesses, buyers and craft enthusiasts.
India’s Craft Traditions in Focus
Running alongside Bharat Tex, Indie Haat 2026 at National Crafts Museum, Delhi presents India’s handloom and handicraft heritage. It has attracted 48 artisans and weavers, along with 12 design-led brands. The showcase places regional craftsmanship at the heart of the larger textile event. It is giving handmade traditions a prominent and contemporary setting.
It spans crafts such as Gulabi Minakari, Dokra, Usta Kala, Pichwai, Sozni embroidery, Blue Pottery, silver filigree, Cheriyal painting, Mata Ni Pachedi, papier-mâché, Bagru block printing, Jamdani sarees, Muga and Eri silk, and Odisha Ikat, among several others.