Vadodara, June 28 (IANS) The upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) for Central Gujarat will showcase Sankheda furniture, one of the state’s best-known traditional handicrafts, as part of the state’s efforts to connect local artisans with wider domestic and international markets while preserving a centuries-old craft.

Scheduled to be held at GSFC University in Vadodara on June 29 and 30, the conference is expected to serve not only as a platform for investment and industrial development but also as an opportunity to promote Gujarat’s cultural heritage.

The state government said the initiative is aimed at linking traditional artisans and local industries with new markets under its vision of ‘Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat’.

Sankheda furniture, produced in and around Sankheda village near Vadodara, is recognised for its colourful lacquer work and intricate hand-painted designs.

Crafted mainly by the Kharadi artisan community, the wooden furniture has been produced for generations and is now sold across several Indian cities as well as overseas markets.

According to traditional accounts, the craft dates back around 200 years, when a saint introduced local carpenter families to the technique of decorating wooden furniture using lacquer and metallic embellishments.

Over time, the art form evolved into one of Gujarat’s most distinctive handicrafts and has since received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising its unique regional identity.

The Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation has undertaken a range of measures to support artisans, including providing opportunities to participate in exhibitions, fairs and marketing platforms.

It has also offered training in modern design, quality improvement, new production techniques and marketing, along with financial assistance to strengthen artisans’ skills and competitiveness.

Officials said these initiatives have helped artisans to produce products that better meet changing consumer preferences, contributing to an estimated 20 to 40 per cent increase in their incomes.

The furniture is primarily manufactured in Sankheda and nearby areas of Vadodara and Chhota Udepur districts.

Artisans use traditional woodworking tools alongside lathe machines to shape the timber before completing the pieces through hand-painting, lacquer coating and polishing. Producing a single item may take about a month.

The range includes traditional swings, stools, chairs, sofa sets, baby cradles and dining tables, with each piece reflecting handcrafted detailing and skills passed down through generations.

“Sankheda furniture has been promoted through handicraft fairs, expos and exhibitions in cities including Ahmedabad, Delhi and Mumbai, helping artisans reach new customers. It has also created direct marketing channels through emporiums and other sales outlets,” officials said.

According to the government, around three Sankheda furniture artisans are currently directly associated with these initiatives, while thousands of people are indirectly linked to the traditional handicraft economy.

Demand for Sankheda furniture has expanded beyond Gujarat to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, while exports have grown to markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, where traditional swings, chairs, sofa sets and home decor items have found buyers.

“Platforms, such as VGRC, are expected to create further opportunities to connect Sankheda furniture with investors, buyers and global markets while supporting artisan livelihoods and preserving the state’s traditional craftsmanship,” officials noted.

–IANS

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