Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inaugurated the Hathkargha mela at Kashmir Haat.
The event is being organized by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir and sponsored by the Development Commissioner Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
The Dy CM, while addressing on the occasion, called upon launching a major marketing and branding campaign for promotion of the Handicrafts & Handloom products of Kashmir, having readymade niche market available at global level. He also emphasized on the need for making an action plan for promotion of these world famous products.
The Dy CM, during his inspection of the stalls, interacted with the weavers and artisans and was mesmerized by the Kani shawls and Sozni work done on the pashmina shawls. He stated that artisans and weavers are the vital pillars of the society and present government will take every necessary step to make their future secure.
The Deputy CM directed the Handicrafts and Handloom Department to contemplate the possibility of procurement of some notified crafts such as crewel by the government. He emphasized the importance of creating sustainable market linkages for handloom Weavers and commended the Directorate for its ongoing efforts in promoting the sector at both national and international platforms.
Choudhary appealed the citizens, tourists, art connoisseurs and media members to visit the expo and experience firsthand the vibrancy and artistry of Kashmir handlooms which will remain open to the public till June 18, 2025.
The expo featured over 60 master weavers and skilled artisans, who are showcasing an exquisite collection of handloom products, each telling a unique story of tradition, skill, and identity.
The special handloom fair is a significant initiative aimed at celebrating, preserving and promoting India's unparalleled handloom legacy, while offering an empowering platform for the artisan and weaver communities of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, Deputy Director, H&H, Kashmir, Mirza Shahid Ali Beigh, Deputy Director, Administration Hakim Riyaz UL Haq Assistant Director, Weavers Service Centre, Ministry of Textiles and Assistant Director, Handicrafts, Development Commissioner, Handicrafts (GoI) and other senior officers of the Department were present on the occasion.