The Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery (IIGJ), Jaipur, inaugurated its annual crafts fair Alankar 2025 on September 25th with a vibrant celebration of India’s jewellery heritage. The three-day event, concluding on September 27th, unites artisans, students, and craft enthusiasts in one dynamic space.
The fair was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Mr. Rishav Mandal, IAS, Commissioner and Managing Director, Department of Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship, and MD, RSLDC. He was welcomed by Mr. Sanjay Kala, Vice President, IIGJ Jaipur; Mr. Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. D.P. Khandelwal, Board Member; Mr. Sakhil Dhadda; Mr. Neeraj Lunawat, Honorary Secretary, Jewellery Association Jaipur; Mr. Nitin Khandelwal, Regional Director, GJEPC; Mr. Divyanshu Agarwal, Registrar; Mr. Anish Kapil, Principal; along with faculty and students.
Commending IIGJ’s initiatives, Mr. Mandal pledged the Rajasthan Government’s continued support for the institute’s skill development programmes.
This year’s edition features live demonstrations by master artisans from across India, showcasing lacquer jewellery (Gulrakh Sultana), pachchikam jewellery (Firoz and Jaba Khan), gemstone carving (Amrit Sirohiya), bead jewellery (Mahendra Soni), patwa art (Kailash), and terracotta jewellery (Lokesh Baswa).
Adding to the experience, IIGJ students are conducting interactive workshops in beadwork, macramé, clay, resin, crochet, and wire jewellery. Organisers noted that “Alankar provides a unique platform for students to engage with India’s traditional crafts directly from artisans, fostering appreciation and continuity of these timeless skills.”
The opening day drew an enthusiastic response, with nearly 300 Jaipur school students participating in workshops and activities.