Amazon India’s bi-annual sale Karigar Mela focusing on traditional craftsmanship will take place on April 11, the company announced in a statement. The event will enable artisans on the Amazon India marketplace to reach a wider audience this year, with over 2,000 sellers showcasing a diverse range of over 2 lakh products.
With the support of Government and Social Enterprise Partners such as NRLM, NULM, GAME, Deasra, etc., Karigar Mela encourages artisans to utilize natural and eco-friendly materials, prioritize local production, and champion livelihoods within artisan communities, the company said in a statement.
The focus will be on using renewable and biodegradable materials such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk, grown or harvested without harmful chemicals.
Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Bhatnagar, Head of Seller Acquisition and Development, Amazon India, said, “Karigar Mela is a testament to our unwavering support for these talented artisans, providing them with a platform to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship to a global audience. We firmly believe that by fostering an ecosystem that enables artisans to thrive, we can contribute to the preservation of our cultural identity while promoting sustainable livelihoods and economic growth.”
Amazon India had launched the Karigar programme in 2017 to enable small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs like weavers, artisans, and artisans to benefit from e-commerce and grow their businesses.
The company said Amazon Karigar impacts over 18 lakh artisans with a selection of over 2 lakh handmade products across handloom, handicraft, hand-processed beauty & gourmet products, including more than 470 unique arts and crafts from across the country.
Amazon India’s rival Flipkart also runs a similar programme Samarth that aims to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the communities by focusing on small businesses, women, the differently-abled, small artisans, and weavers across India, by digitising their products and providing them with access to e-commerce and a pan-India market.
The initiative also provides training and marketing support to small businesses and has maintained multiple strategic engagements and agreements with multiple state and central ministries to promote its cause.