Hyderabad is set to celebrate India’s extraordinary handmade traditions as the Crafts Council of Telangana (CCT) presents Kausalyam 2026, a three-day showcase of textiles, crafts and cultural heritage from July 14 to 16 at Anvaya Convention, Financial District. The event will be open to the public from 10 am to 7 pm with free entry, while the formal inauguration will take place on the evening of July 14.
Organised once every five years in collaboration with renowned textile revivalist Gaurang Shah, Kausalyam has become one of Telangana’s most significant celebrations of India’s living craft traditions. The event also serves as a major fundraising initiative to support artisan communities and preserve endangered craft practices.
This year’s edition promises to bring together more than 75 textile studios, craft enterprises and artisan collectives from across the country, with over 120 stalls displaying handcrafted textiles, apparel, home décor, accessories and traditional crafts. Visitors can also explore over 40 curated collections that reflect the diversity and richness of India’s handmade heritage.
Among the major attractions is the Museum of Textiles, a specially curated exhibition that traces the history, artistry and evolution of India’s textile traditions. The event will also host Conversations with Craftpreneurs, providing visitors an opportunity to interact directly with artisans, designers and entrepreneurs working to sustain traditional crafts in a contemporary marketplace.
Adding to the cultural experience are two unique storytelling presentations. Sita Anveshana combines the traditional art of leather puppetry with Telugu and English narration, while Virata Parvam reimagines the vibrant storytelling tradition of Cheriyal scroll paintings through Augmented Reality, offering audiences an immersive blend of heritage and technology.
Founded in 1987, the Crafts Council of Telangana has spent nearly four decades promoting handmade traditions, supporting artisans and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through exhibitions, cultural programmes and development initiatives.
The proceeds from Kausalyam 2026 will be directed towards reviving the Bharoon Embroidery Cluster, an endangered Sindhi embroidery tradition sustained largely by women artisans. The initiative aims to preserve this intricate craft while strengthening economic opportunities for artisan families, ensuring that India’s rich handmade legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.
