Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Riding on the success of its acclaimed “Know Your Artisan” series, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, successfully organised its September edition on the sidelines of Jammu and Kashmir’s first International Film Festival at SK Park, Srinagar, drawing an enthusiastic response from tourists, art lovers, students and the general public.
Styled “Soulful Kashmir,” the showcase focused on the Valley’s high-value GI-tagged and increasingly languishing craft traditions, presenting a vibrant blend of art, craft and heritage that gave visitors a rare chance to engage directly with the artisans behind Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts. According to a department spokesperson, as many as 26 stalls were installed at the event, showcasing unique handcrafted creations and allowing visitors to interact directly with master artisans, explore authentic crafts and give the craftspeople a platform for direct marketing of their work.
The School of Designs, Kashmir, facilitated live craft demonstrations through the course of the event, while a dedicated “Try Corner” offered hands-on experience in pottery, papier-mâché and needlework, letting visitors go beyond merely observing to actually attempting the crafts themselves. Live music, organised in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, further enhanced the heritage ambience of the venue, rounding out an experience that blended performance with hands-on craft engagement.
Students from various schools and colleges took part enthusiastically, drawn in by the quality and intricate craftsmanship on display, interacting with artisans, watching live demonstrations and trying their own hand at craft-making in the process, gaining firsthand exposure to the skill and precision involved in each tradition represented.
A department spokesperson said the initiative was designed to give artisans a platform to showcase their skills and connect directly with tourists, buyers, students and the wider public, adding that “Know Your Artisan” is aimed at building awareness about the heritage value, authenticity and craftsmanship behind Kashmir’s traditional crafts while strengthening the connection between artisans and consumers. The spokesperson said the encouraging response at this edition had reinforced the department’s resolve to carry the initiative to other prominent tourist-centric and high-footfall locations, with the goal of ensuring greater visibility, recognition and market access for artisans going forward.
The department has urged tourists, buyers and craft enthusiasts to support Kashmir’s craft maestros by purchasing authentic products and joining the “Vocal for Local” initiative, a call aimed at helping preserve and revive the region’s rich craft heritage for future generations.
