SRINAGAR: A handicrafts exhibition organised by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department on the sidelines of the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK) attracted tourists, students and craft enthusiasts at SK Park in Srinagar, officials said on Friday.
The September edition of the department’s “Know Your Artisan” programme featured 26 stalls showcasing a range of handcrafted products, including Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged and traditional Kashmiri crafts.
According to the department, the event provided artisans with an opportunity to interact directly with visitors and market their products without intermediaries.
The School of Designs, Kashmir, conducted live demonstrations of traditional crafts, while a dedicated “Try Corner” allowed visitors to gain hands-on experience in pottery, papier-mâché and needlework. Live musical performances, organised in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, were also held during the event.
Officials said students from various schools and colleges participated in the programme, interacting with artisans and observing demonstrations to learn about traditional craft-making techniques.
A spokesperson of the department said the initiative was aimed at increasing awareness about the heritage value and authenticity of Kashmiri crafts while strengthening links between artisans and consumers.
The department said the response to the exhibition had encouraged it to organise similar events at tourist destinations and other high-footfall locations to improve market access and visibility for artisans.
