Preparations have been initiated for the upcoming Shilpgram Festival, which is organized by the Western Region Cultural Center. The festival is expected to start from December 21 to 30, 2023. A meeting held to deliberate matters pertinent to the event, and responsibilities have been duly allocated. Throughout the duration of the festival, a range of tasks shall be undertaken, including the orchestration of presentations and the procurement of artists. Notably, there have been reports indicating the potential for an escalation in the ticket prices for this year's festival. 

Annually, during the festival, over 400 stalls and more than 50 food counters are erected. These culinary outlets offer a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from Rajasthan's renowned "Dal Baati" to delectable specialties hailing from Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. This culinary diversity is a major draw for the festival, enticing in excess of 150,000 domestic and international tourists each year.

The ticket price for adults at the fair is Rs. 55 , and for children, it is Rs. 30. There is a possibility that ticket prices may increase by Rs. 20 to 25 this time. The ticket rates were discussed in the meeting. For the renovation and modernization of the Central Shilpgram in preparation for the festival, tenders have been issued. An estimated cost of Rs. 24 lakhs will be incurred for this project. Tenders will be opened on October 17, 2023. Afterward, artisans will be invited to repair the traditional huts built in Shilpgram.

The huts on display are adorned with a vibrant array of colors derived from a mixture of mud and cow dung. It's worth noting that these huts are susceptible to damage from the heavy monsoon rains. Specifically, the huts at the center of the festival grounds are meticulously designed to represent the cultural heritage of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, as well as the union territories of Daman and Diu. 

During the festival, Shilpgram serves as a platform for artists from 23 different states to showcase their rich cultural heritage and artistic talents. These states include Rajasthan, Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Puducherry, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Daman and Diu, among others. It's a diverse and vibrant gathering of artists from across the country, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the festival.