HathkarghaMela begins at Kashmir Haat, showcasing Handloom heritage of J&K

Srinagar, Jun 5: Celebrating the timeless legacy of Indian handlooms, the “HathkarghaMela” – a special Union Territory-level Handloom Expo – commenced today at Kashmir Haat Exhibition Ground in Srinagar.

Organised by the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, and sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the 14-day expo brings together 60 handloom weavers and artisans from across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The event offers a vibrant platform for artisans to display and directly sell their handcrafted textiles, aiming to promote traditional weaving techniques while supporting the economic upliftment of weaver communities.

The exhibition features a wide variety of handloom products, including Pashmina shawls, Kani and Sozni embroidered items, cotton and silk sarees, stoles, rugs, home furnishings, and distinctive regional textiles.

More than a commercial exhibition, HathkarghaMela serves as a cultural celebration, highlighting the artistic and economic significance of the handloom sector. With the expo coinciding with the festive season, organisers anticipate a large turnout of local residents and tourists.

The fair also includes live demonstrations by master craftsmen from the School of Designs, Srinagar and showcases from the Craft Development Institute and the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, offering visitors a deeper insight into the region’s textile craftsmanship.

The expo will run until June 18 and offers an opportunity for visitors to explore and purchase authentic handloom products at reasonable prices while supporting traditional artisans.