Srinagar, October 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the ‘Know Your Artisan’ Brand Promotion Exhibition during the inauguration of the Chrysanthemum Show, highlighting the government’s efforts to promote the region’s traditional handicrafts and provide greater visibility to local artisans.
Organised by the Handlooms and Handicrafts Department under its ‘Soulful Kashmir’ campaign, the 15-day exhibition aims to showcase the rich artistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir while creating opportunities for visitors to engage directly with traditional crafts and the people behind them.
The exhibition features 20 stalls displaying a range of traditional and Geographical Indication (GI)-certified local crafts. It also offers live demonstrations by skilled artisans, allowing visitors to observe the techniques, precision and creativity involved in producing the region’s distinctive handicraft items.
An interactive feature of the exhibition is the ‘Try Your Hands’ corners, where visitors can experience aspects of traditional craftsmanship themselves. The initiative seeks to make the exhibition more engaging while helping people develop a deeper appreciation of the skills and knowledge passed down through generations of artisans.
During his visit, the Chief Minister appreciated the dedication and expertise of local artisans and underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft traditions. The exhibition serves as a platform to recognise their contribution to the region’s cultural identity and support greater awareness of locally produced crafts.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the connection between traditional arts and autumn tourism in Kashmir. By bringing handicrafts into the tourism experience, the department aims to encourage visitors to explore the region’s cultural heritage alongside its seasonal attractions.
The focus on GI-certified products further highlights the distinctive identity and regional origins of traditional crafts, helping visitors understand the cultural significance of the products on display.
Through the ‘Know Your Artisan’ exhibition, the Handlooms and Handicrafts Department is working to bring artisans closer to consumers and tourists while creating greater recognition for Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship.
The 15-day event is expected to offer visitors an opportunity to discover local artistic traditions, interact with artisans and experience the craftsmanship that continues to shape Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural legacy.
The exhibition forms part of broader efforts to preserve traditional skills, promote local products and position handicrafts as an important component of the region’s cultural and tourism economy.
