Mati Kala Mahotsav-2026 was inaugurated at Khadi Bhawan on Wednesday to give a new dimension to UP’s rich Mati Kala tradition and provide better employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for associated artisans. Rakesh Sachan, Minister for Handloom and Textiles, Khadi and Village Industries, inaugurated the Mahotsav by cutting ribbon and also expressed the possibility of breaking last year’s sales record. On the occasion, the government provided five artisans with electric potter’s wheels free of cost, two artisans with pug mill machines, and a beneficiary of Mukhyamantri Mati Kala Rojgar Yojana was handed a bank loan cheque.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, state government is placing special emphasis on linking traditional crafts with modern technology, skill training, financial assistance and markets. Mati Kala Mahotsav is an important part of this effort, as it encourages artisans and gives their products wider recognition.
Minister Rakesh Sachan stated, “Clay lamps, toys, idols, utensils and other artistic products have been an integral part of Indian culture and tradition. Amid changing lifestyles, government is implementing various schemes to make these products popular again and strengthen the livelihoods of the artisans associated with them.” Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board was constituted on July 19, 2018, to systematically promote the Mati Kala sector. So far, the Board has identified 48,048 artisan families across the state. To ensure artisans have access to raw materials, the Board has also allotted clay extraction leases to 39,468 Mati Kala artisans.
So far, 18,432 electric potter’s wheels have been distributed to provide artisans with modern equipment. For the financial year 2026-27, target is to distribute an additional 2,740 electric potter’s wheels. Similarly, 675 pug mill machines have been distributed to simplify the clay kneading process, and another 300 machines are planned for distribution in the current financial year. In addition, 603 pairs of POP molds for making idols, 31 painting machines, and 81 lamp-making machines have been provided. Modern equipment can make production more convenient and help artisans prepare products to meet market demand.
Through the Yogi government’s Mukhyamantri Mati Kala Rojgar Yojana, the government is working to connect traditional artisans with self-employment and entrepreneurship. Under the scheme, the government has sanctioned loans to 1,333 beneficiaries over the past seven years, enabling them to establish Mati Kala units. For the financial year 2026-27, the scheme aims to establish 300 additional units by March 2027. The organization has also conducted extensive training programs to develop artisans’ skills. Over the past seven years, 18,432 beneficiaries have received technical training in operating modern equipment, 1,333 have received training in enterprise management, and 7,836 have received training in craftsmanship. In addition, Common Facility Centers have been established in 10 districts of the state: Pilibhit, Rampur, Kannauj, Amroha, Barabanki, Firozabad, Bijnor, Amethi, Bareilly and Jalaun.
Clay utensils and traditional products have long been part of Indian lifestyles. Products such as kulhads, earthen water pots, surahis and clay lamps continue to retain their traditional identity. Promoting clay products also strengthens the prospects of increasing demand for local artisans’ products and encouraging environmentally friendly alternatives. Events such as Mati Kala Mahotsav help artisans and customers connect directly, bring recognition to products, and increase the younger generation’s interest in traditional crafts. The government’s initiative aims not to confine Mati Kala to tradition alone, but to make it a strong medium for employment, self-employment, and local economic activity.
Minister Rakesh Sachan stated, “Mati Kala Mahotsav provides artisans with an opportunity to display and sell their products. Last year, artisans sold products worth more than ₹5 crore at the Mahotsav. This year, too, in view of the enthusiasm among artisans and the growing attraction towards clay products, a new sales record is expected to be set.”
At the inauguration of Mati Kala Mahotsav-2026, Shiva Prajapati, Ram Khelawan, Nanha, Ajay and Gayatri from Lucknow were honored as beneficiaries for receiving electric potter’s wheels. Ramesh Kumar and Dilip Kumar from Lucknow benefited from pug mill machines. Shreya, a resident of Munshiganj, Daliganj, Lucknow, was presented with a cheque for a ₹2 lakh loan under the Mukhyamantri Mati Kala Rojgar Yojana.
Anil Sagar, Principal Secretary, Handloom and Textiles, Khadi and Village Industries, and Public Enterprises Department, and Shishir, CEO, Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board, were present.
Khadi and Village Industries Minister Rakesh Sachan inaugurates the event by cutting ribbon at Khadi Bhawan
Sales exceeded ₹5 crore last year, with expectations of higher sales this time
More than 48,000 artisan families identified, 18,432 electric potter’s wheels distributed
Various beneficiaries associated with Mati Kala honored
