Gujarat: Weavers of Bhujodi set to participate in Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Jan 2026

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], December 6 : Bhujodi village in Gujarat's Kachchh is a hub of traditional craftsmanship, boasting 46 National Award-winning artisans, including 6 Sant Kabir Awardees and 20 National Award winners. The village is renowned for its handloom weaving, producing iconic pieces like the Bhujodi Shawl and traditional woolen quilts and blankets.
The weavers of Bhujodi village are set to participate in the 2nd Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference and Exhibition in January 2026 to showcase their work and connect with national and international buyers. This participation is set to gain both major commercial and policy traction.
According to an official release from the Chief Minister's Office, Bhujodi village in Kachchh, is a powerful epicenter of traditional craftsmanship and is home to 46 National Award-Winning artisans. The artisan award winning community includes 6 Sant Kabir Awardees, 20 National Award winners and prestigious achievement of attaining National Merit Certificate (NMC),1 Shilp Guru, 4 Kalanidhi Award and Hathshaal Hastkala Rajya Awards (Handloom Crafts states Award).
The skilled and efficient weavers of the Vankar community are the living examples of Gujarat's rich, royal-era textile heritage, ensuring that ancient art forms thrive in the modern era. Artisan from Bhujodi Nanji Bhimjibhai Kharet shares that he and his entire village received great support from the department of Weavers Service Centre in training and exhibition. The community also works with brands like FabIndia, Jaypore and Garvi Gujarat. Their village philosophy, "Kutchh na ranma, jya kala jivan che ane jivan aj kala"--In the Rann of Kutch, where art is life and life is an art--perfectly captures the deep cultural commitment that defines their existence, the release said.
Bhujodi is globally recognized for handloom weaving, creating iconic pieces like the world-famous Bhujodi Shawl and traditional woolen quilts and blankets. The artisans' dedication involves utilizing complex weaving techniques, meticulously blending traditional motifs, and using natural, time-honoured dyes, thereby preserving the authentic texture and narrative thread of Gujarat's history. By continuing this legacy, the artisans are not merely craftsmen; they are essential cultural conservators, protecting a vital part of the state's identity and drawing national and international acclaim for burning midnight oil for the years.
The preservation of this heritage is expected to get a significant boost. This is because Bhujodi champions will attend the 2nd Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) and the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Exhibition (VGRE). These events will take place in Rajkot, in second week of January 2026. This participation is set to gain both major commercial and policy traction.
This key regional conference is strategically focused on bolstering the economic and cultural growth of the Kutch and Saurashtra regions, with a strong emphasis on the Handlooms and Handicrafts sector. The event will serve as a launchpad for the artisans, featuring a Dedicated Crafts Village to showcase their award-winning work and a critical Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) designed to connect these MSMEs directly with national and international buyers, opening crucial new export markets.
Furthermore, the conference's Udyami Mela will provide on-the-spot business support, including financial linkages and policy guidance, to strengthen the entrepreneurial foundation of the craft community. The overarching focus on promoting Tourism and Culture guarantees that the preservation work done by the artisans community will be rewarded with sustainable economic opportunities. The VGRC at Rajkot is an indispensable moment for the artisans to translate their well-deserved recognition into lasting commercial success and secure the investments necessary to ensure the Bhujodi legacy continues to flourish on the global stage.