Srinagar, Aug 7: Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, today organised an exhibition of high-value textile products made by the finest artisans and weavers from Kashmir, to commemorate the National Handloom Day.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, at S. K. Park, here. Development Officer, Textiles, Arjumand Yaqub, AD Srinagar, Sadia Ahmed, PEO, Riyaz Ahmad Kawoosa and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
In a press statement issued here today, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir stated that every year on August 7, a fervent appeal is issued to the buyers and art lovers to join the ‘Be Vocal for Local’ campaign, which goes a long way in making our artisans and weavers self-sustained. “It is very pleasing to note that a large number of visitors turned up at SK Park to buy famous handcrafted Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls made by the golden hands of artisans and weavers from Kashmir,” he added.
Earlier, the Director went around the stalls and interacted with the artisans and weavers and encouraged them to get their products tested and labelled at Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), CDI Srinagar. “Apart from Vocal for Local campaign, our Department urges tourists and buyers to insist on QR Coded GI products to overcome the serious challenge posed by the counterfeit products, sold in the garb of genuine handmade products,” he added.
The Director also highlighted the importance of aesthetic packaging of high-value Pashmina and Kani Shawls so that its brand value is enhanced. “Towards this, the Department under RAMP is soon organising capacity building workshops with Indian Institute of Packaging, New Delhi,” he added.
The spokesman further stated that the National Handloom Day also provided an opportunity to give traction to Srinagar city’s unique distinction of having been notified as a Craft City by World Craft Council and UNESCO City under its Creative Cities Network.