The Uttar Pradesh government is organising Mati Kala Mahotsavs across districts to promote traditional pottery and clay craftsmanship ahead of Diwali. Preparations for the event have begun in Noida, where local potters and artisans will be able to display and sell their clay products.
Following directions from the Uttar Pradesh government, preparations are underway to organise a Mati Kala Mahotsav in Noida. The district administration has started working on the arrangements for the event. However, the final date and venue have not yet been decided.
According to officials, the event date and other necessary arrangements may be finalised within the next one to two days.
The objective of the festival is to connect artisans engaged in traditional clay craftsmanship directly with customers. Many potters generally sell their products through local markets and retailers. The festival will provide them with an opportunity to display their products independently and reach potential buyers directly.
Demand for clay lamps, decorative items and traditional utensils generally increases around Diwali. The proposed event will provide local artisans with a platform to showcase and sell their products. Visitors will also be able to purchase different types of clay products at a single location.
The Mati Kala Mahotsav-2026 began in the state capital, Lucknow, on October 28. Organised by the Uttar Pradesh Mati Kala Board, the festival will continue until November 7.
A state-level exhibition has been organised at the Khadi Bhawan premises in Dalibagh, featuring products made by artisans from different districts.
The theme of this year's festival is 'Mitti Se Sanskriti, Sanskriti Se Samriddhi'. The event was inaugurated by Rakesh Sachan, the state's Minister for Khadi and Village Industries. Senior departmental officials were also present at the inauguration.
The festival features traditional and modern clay products, with arrangements for both exhibitions and sales. It is providing artisans in Lucknow with an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and expand their businesses.
Similar preparations are underway for a local event in Noida. However, the dates of the 11-day festival in Lucknow should not be considered the dates for the proposed Noida event.
The proposed festival in Noida is expected to benefit local potters, artisans and small businesses associated with traditional clay craftsmanship. Products such as clay lamps, utensils, flower pots and other home decorative items will be displayed at the event.
The use of clay products is not limited to festivals. Several artisans are now producing modern-designed decorative items alongside traditional pottery. Exhibitions and sales opportunities play an important role in helping these products gain recognition in larger markets.
According to Shishir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttar Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board and Special Secretary, MSME, providing training alone is not sufficient to preserve traditional clay craftsmanship. Artisans must also have access to markets and customers to sell their products.
Through this initiative, the government is seeking to promote clay products while encouraging environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and artificial decorative items.
The festival will also give artisans an opportunity to understand customer preferences and changing market demand. This could help them develop new designs and prepare products according to future requirements.
Details regarding the final date, venue and stall-allocation process for the Noida event are yet to be announced. Once these arrangements are finalised, local artisans will be informed about the procedure for participating in the festival.
