Sangoshthi, the biennial international conference of the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD), Jaipur, is a leading global platform that brings together artisans, designers, academics, and industry leaders to explore contemporary trends, sustainability, and innovation in crafts and design. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, Sangoshthi not only celebrates India’s rich craft heritage but also charts strategies for its sustainable growth and future relevance.

The 2025 edition of Sangoshthi, anchored in the theme “Kumbh and the Culture of Making,” explored the deep interconnections between tradition, creativity, and collective practice. A vibrant Crafts Bazaar was organised alongside the conference, featuring a confluence of craft exhibitions, live demonstrations, and a marketplace. Open to the public, the Bazaar showcased diverse traditional crafts including Phulkari, Black Pottery, Chikankari, Dokra, Bell Making, Kavad, Block Printing, Blue Pottery, Papier-mâché, Gotta Patti, Aari Tari, Leather Puppetry, Mukka embroidery, and Appliqué work.

The Crafts Bazaar brought together 20 accomplished artisans from various states across India, including Punjab, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh. These artisans not only displayed and sold their creations but also demonstrated intricate techniques, offering visitors an immersive insight into India’s rich and varied craft traditions.

The 5th Biennial International Conference, held at the IICD campus from November 2–4, 2025, featured an exceptional assembly of national and international resource persons whose expertise spans craft practice, research, education, policy, and entrepreneurship. The conference hosted eminent dignitaries and keynote speakers, contributing to meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.

The three-day event seamlessly combined IICD’s award ceremony with the conference, creating a vibrant platform for celebration and dialogue. Day 1 celebrated graduating students and recognised excellence in craft through the presentation of Craft Awards to 11 artisans and organisations from seven states across India, honouring their mastery, skill, and contributions to craft traditions.

Days 2 and 3 featured the International Conference on Recent Trends and Sustainability in Crafts and Design, along with an Artisan Panchayat that enabled direct engagement between artisans and students. These sessions explored contemporary challenges, emerging opportunities, and innovative approaches for sustaining craft traditions across generations.

Sangoshthi 2025 saw participation from nearly 30 Indian universities, including NIFT campuses, IITs, VIT, Amity University, CEPT University, and IGNOU, along with organisations such as Studio Chinar (INJIRI) and Roots Foundation. The conference included 26 oral research presentations and 20 poster presentations across themes such as Craft & Sustainability, Technology & Innovation, Culture & Heritage, and Craft & Livelihood.

Sangoshthi 2025 underscored the transformative power of crafts as drivers of cultural continuity, social impact, ecological responsibility, and economic resilience. The conference reaffirmed IICD’s enduring commitment to research, collaboration, and the promotion of crafts as a vital bridge between tradition and contemporary innovation.