3-Day ‘Know Your Artisan’ craft carnival kickstarts with vibrant cultural show

Srinagar, Nov 20: Riding high on the resounding success of the first three ‘Know Your Artisan’ (KYA) events in October, which captivated crowds at iconic venues like Polo View Market, Jhelum Riverfront, and Ghanta Ghar with live demonstrations and direct artisan engagements; the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir (DOHHK) today unveiled the ‘Know Your Artisan’ Craft Carnival.

The 3-day extravaganza commenced at the picturesque Sher-e-Kashmir Park on Residency Road, under the aggressive branding campaign ‘Soulful Kashmir’, said a press release.The event was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who lauded the department’s endeavors in spotlighting the Valley’s timeless crafts.

Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com highlighted the transformative potential of such exhibitions. He commended the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir for organizing this carnival.

He said Initiatives like ‘Know Your Artisan’ are essential to bring our master artisans to the forefront, providing them a deserving platform to showcase Kashmir’s rich craft and heritage to both locals and global audiences. “These programs not only revive our traditions but also empower our artisans economically, ensuring their skills endure for generations”, he added. He stated that exports of Handicrafts & Handlooms has doubled since last four years which has increased the income of artisans. This carnival arrives in the triumphant aftermath of Srinagar’s dual global accolades including its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021 and as the 63rd World Craft City under the World Crafts Council (WCC) network in 2024.

The event witnessed a huge gathering of top-level officers, alongside key Department officials, all witnessing the unveiling of 36 meticulously curated stalls. These feature an exhaustive array of GI-registered crafts, such as authentic Pashmina, Kani shawls, and Kashmiri carpets, alongside products notified under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and the District Export Hub (DEH) initiative.

The carnival aligns with the Prime Minister’s visionary initiatives of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-reliance by promoting indigenous crafts as engines of economic growth, sustainable tourism, and global exports.

Mussarat Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir on the occasion said, “This carnival is a pivotal chapter in our aggressive push to revive and commercialize Kashmir’s handicrafts, empowering over 3.80 lakh artisans through GI enforcement, skill training, and branding workshops. In the wake of Srinagar’s UNESCO and WCC recognitions, we are not just showcasing crafts but weaving a narrative of harmony, innovation, and cultural co-existence that resonates with the ‘Vocal for Local’ spirit.”