Srinagar, September 11 : The September edition of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir’s ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative drew tourists, students, craft enthusiasts and locals at SK Park here on the sidelines of Jammu and Kashmir’s first International Film Festival.
The event, titled ‘Soulful Kashmir’, showcased high-value GI-tagged and languishing crafts of Kashmir, offering visitors an opportunity to explore traditional handicrafts and interact directly with master artisans.
According to a department spokesperson, 26 stalls were installed at the venue, displaying a range of unique handcrafted creations. The event also provided artisans with a platform for direct marketing and interaction with potential buyers and consumers.
The School of Designs, Kashmir, facilitated live craft demonstrations, while a dedicated ‘Try Corner’ allowed visitors to gain hands-on experience in pottery, papier-mâché and needlework.
Live music, organised in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, further added to the heritage ambience of the event.
Students from various schools and colleges participated enthusiastically, interacting with artisans, witnessing live demonstrations and trying their hand at craft-making. The initiative provided them first-hand exposure to the skill, precision and intricate craftsmanship involved in traditional Kashmiri crafts.
The spokesperson said the initiative was aimed at providing artisans a platform to showcase their skills and connect directly with tourists, buyers, students and the general public.
“‘Know Your Artisan’ is aimed at creating awareness about the heritage value, authenticity and craftsmanship of Kashmir’s traditional crafts while strengthening the artisan-consumer connect,” he said.
He said the encouraging response to the initiative had strengthened the department’s resolve to take the programme to prominent tourist-centric and other high-footfall locations to ensure greater visibility, recognition and market access for artisans.
The department urged tourists, buyers and craft enthusiasts to support Kashmir’s craft maestros by purchasing authentic products and joining the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative aimed at preserving and reviving the region’s rich craft heritage.(KNS)
