Srinagar’s iconic Boulevard Road alongside the renowned Dal Lake has become the vibrant setting for the ‘Autumn Craft Mela,’ an exclusive exhibition spotlighting the exquisite handicrafts and handloom masterpieces of Kashmir. Curated by the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms Kashmir, the ten-day event was inaugurated by Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director Handicrafts & Handlooms Kashmir, and Joint Director Handicrafts Kashmir, Parveez Sajad Ganai, alongside other dignitaries.
Director Shah highlighted that the exhibition provides a dynamic platform for artisans, weavers, and cooperative societies to directly market their products to both tourists and buyers. Moreover, it offers visitors to the Valley an opportunity to experience the rich art and craft of Kashmir, especially during the onset of the autumn season.
In an effort to further promote Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage through handicrafts and handloom, similar exhibitions are planned in Gulmarg, Jammu, and a Woolen Expo in Delhi, alongside an ongoing exhibition in Pahalgam.
The exhibitions are expected to captivate both connoisseurs and consumers, showcasing the skilled artisans’ centuries-old creative expressions of Kashmir’s rich folklore. The focal point of these exhibitions lies in the diverse array of craft products displayed for sale, including Pashmina, Kani, and various other crafts, mirroring the valley’s rich cultural tapestry.
Moreover, the department is actively pursuing Geographic Indication (GI) certifications for seven more crafts, such as Namdha, Gubba, Crewel, and Chain Stitch Crafts. The submission of proposals to the GI Registrar in Chennai aims to enhance the sales of genuine handmade products not only at a regional level but also nationally and globally.
