Annual Art & Craft mela celebrating India’s rich heritage
HSBC India has inaugurated the 24th edition of its annual initiative, the ‘Helping Hands Mela’, celebrating the spirit of Diwali and reaffirming its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment. This year’s Mela brings together over 50 NGOs from across the country, offering a vibrant showcase of India’s rich heritage of arts, crafts and festive products. The exhibition was inaugurated by Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, and Aloka Majumdar, MD & Head of Sustainability, HSBC India, and will run from 02 November to 06 November 2026, across 28 HSBC branches in 16 cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Delhi NCR, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Nashik, Surat, Trivandrum, and Jaipur.
Open to both HSBC customers and walk-in patrons, the Mela offers handcrafted jewellery, woven fabrics, home linen, stationery, Diwali decorations, locally made delicacies and accessories. Proceeds will support the causes championed by the participating NGOs, helping uplift the communities they serve. The Mumbai inauguration at HSBC’s MG Road branch featured a live musical performance by Udaan, a band of visually impaired musicians who have been a cherished partner of the Helping Hands Mela for the past decade. Their participation reflected HSBC’s commitment to encouraging unique talent and fostering inclusivity.
Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Aloka Majumdar, MD & Head of Sustainability, HSBC India, said,“The Helping Hands Mela has become a cherished tradition, allowing us to celebrate the festival of lights while making a meaningful difference. The mela provides NGOs and artisans a platform to showcase their work and connect with wider audiences keeping with the festival’s spirit of light and inclusion. We invite our customers, patrons, and employees to join us in this joyous initiative and share the true spirit of Diwali.” The Helping Hands Mela showcases an extensive range of products, including Art and Craft: Handcrafted jewellery, woven fabrics, home linen, and stationery. Festive Items: Diwali-themed products including Diyas and festive decor Food and Accessories: A variety of locally made delicacies and accessories.
The Helping Hands Mela reflects HSBC India’s commitment to sustainability, community empowerment and a more inclusive future. By bridging the gap between NGOs, artisans, and patrons, the Mela not only preserves traditional crafts, but also fosters a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
