SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the autumn edition of ‘Know Your Artisan’ at Srinagar’s Chrysanthemum Garden, where 20 stalls are showcasing Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged and languishing handicrafts alongside the ongoing Chrysanthemum Show.
Organised by the Handicrafts and Handloom Department under its ‘Soulful Kashmir’ initiative, the 15-day exhibition aims to promote traditional crafts, provide artisans with a platform to display their work and encourage visitors to purchase authentic Kashmiri products.
During his visit, Abdullah toured the stalls, watched live demonstrations and interacted with artisans about their work and the skills involved in producing Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts.
He welcomed the department’s decision to organise such exhibitions at prominent tourist destinations, saying they allowed visitors to explore Kashmir’s artistic heritage alongside its natural attractions.
The exhibition features a range of traditional crafts, including Sozni-embroidered Pashmina shawls, Kani shawls woven using the traditional taleem technique, papier-mâché products, willow wickerwork and walnut wood carvings.
A dedicated ‘Try Your Hands’ corner has also been set up to give visitors an opportunity to experience traditional craft-making techniques.
Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Shamim Firdous, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed (Pardesi) and Salman Sagar, the Director of Handloom and Handicrafts, and other senior departmental officers attended the inauguration.
