SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Minority Affairs recently concluded the ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ in Srinagar, a nine-day cultural and entrepreneurial festival aimed at promoting the heritage, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions of India’s minority communities. Held at the Convocation Ground of Kashmir University from April 5 to April 13, 2025, the event was organised under the PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman) scheme.
The festival was conceived as a platform for artisans and culinary practitioners to not only showcase their talent but also engage with emerging markets and modern business practices. According to Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, the event was structured to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among traditional artisans while safeguarding their indigenous art forms. In addition to exhibition stalls, the Parv included workshops focused on marketing strategies, export readiness, online retail, design innovation, and sales techniques. These sessions were held with the collaboration of the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), offering a holistic training environment.
Over 100 artisans representing 25 States and Union Territories participated in the event, exhibiting a wide range of crafts including Kashmir’s Paper Mâché, Sozni embroidery, Crewel work, Pashmina shawls, and Willow wickerwork. Other highlights included Ladakhi Pashmina, Punjabi Jutti, traditional Sikkimese crafts, Kantha embroidery, wood carving, and crochet. The diversity of exhibits underscored the breadth of India’s artisanal legacy within minority communities.
Complementing the crafts section, 16 culinary experts from 12 States and Union Territories showcased regional cuisines, drawing large crowds. Iconic dishes such as Kashmiri Wazwan were served alongside delicacies from Gujarat, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Ladakh, offering visitors a sensory journey across India’s culinary landscape.
The government has asserted that events like Lok Samvardhan Parv are not only celebratory in nature but also play a crucial developmental role. By bridging traditional skills with contemporary market demands, such initiatives are expected to boost the economic prospects and self-reliance of minority artisans.
