Three-Day Craft Demonstration and Awareness Programme Begins in Srinagar

Nazakit ahmad

Srinagar : A 3-Day Craft Demonstration cum Awareness Programme (CDAP) was formally inaugurated today in Srinagar under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) 2025–26. The programme is being held from July 14 to July 16, 2025, with the support of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The event has been organized by Sereen Zehra Handicrafts Producers Company, Srinagar, under the guidance of its Director. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Assistant Director Handicrafts, Raja Rahil Rasheed, along with representatives from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

A total of 20 artisans (15 female and 5 male) are participating in the programme, representing various traditional crafts of Jammu and Kashmir. The programme aims to promote cultural awareness, encourage knowledge sharing, and demonstrate live handicraft-making techniques.

The event also witnessed the presence of several distinguished National Awardees and master craftsmen who interacted with the artisans and shared their expertise. The prominent personalities present included:

-Baqir Ali Bhat (National Awardee, 2011 – Sozni Embroidery)
-Zahid Ali (National Awardee – Papier-mâché)
-Fayaz Ali (National Awardee – Wood Carving)
-Mohd iqbal Ganie (National Master Craftsman – Sozni Embroidery)

The three-day programme includes:

1. Interaction and knowledge-sharing sessions with master artisans
2. Awareness about the heritage, culture, and tradition associated with Indian handicrafts
3. Live demonstration of various craft techniques
4. Screening of a short film on handicrafts

The programme reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering grassroots artisans, preserving traditional crafts, and building sustainable livelihoods through skill development and market exposure.