by Aiman Fayaz
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts and Handloom Department Thursday marked the initiation of ‘Jashne Challai Kalaan’ at Kashmir Haat in Srinagar.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri officially commenced the three-day Jashne Chillai Kalan-2023 and Mega Exhibition at Kashmir Haat. Speaking at the event, the Div com highlighted how the festival is a great chance to display the various handicrafts of Kashmir and the skill and creativity that goes into making them.
The event particularly emphasised the craftsmanship of Pheran, Kangri, and Namda artisans. The venue showcased stalls adorned with a diverse collection of Pherans, Kangris, and Namdas, allowing the general public to appreciate and explore these traditional crafts.
“I’m excited to show off my specially designed Kangris for decoration in Kashmir. It’s my first time being part of such an event, where I get to display my work and highlight the cultural importance of Kangris in Kashmir,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local willow maker from Pulwama.
This festival aligns seamlessly with the ongoing departmental initiative to uplift local artisans, encompassing not only exhibitions but also incorporating vibrant elements of music and cultural activities.
“I’m hopeful that the items I have today will sell, and, more importantly, that my work will be seen by people from different parts of Kashmir, giving me the recognition I aspire for,” expressed Rafiq Ahmad, a Namda maker from Shopian.
This festival not only celebrates the region’s craftsmanship but also anticipates attracting winter tourists, contributing to the local economy and providing valuable opportunities for local artisans to showcase and sell their products.
“Events like these should occur periodically in every district of Kashmir to encourage the participation of the younger generation by providing a suitable platform. The government should actively focus on supporting the artisan community in Kashmir, as their contributions have often been overlooked and taken for granted,” said Shamsa, a young handloom artist with a tinge of hope.
