Kashmir artisans to showcase traditional crafts at cultural festival
Event in Srinagar brings master artisans together to highlight centuries-old craft traditions and support livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir
SRINAGAR, Kashmir (MNTV) — Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are preparing to host a three-day artisan festival in Srinagar this week, bringing together dozens of craft masters to highlight the region’s centuries-old artistic traditions at a time when local livelihoods remain vulnerable to political and economic disruptions.
The event, billed as an “Artisan Carnival,” will take place from November 20 to 22 at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in the heart of the city.
Officials from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department said the festival is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen market access for artisans whose work forms the backbone of Kashmir’s cultural identity and export economy.
More than 30 master artisans from across the Valley are expected to participate, demonstrating traditional techniques and exhibiting textiles, woodwork, metalware and other crafts that have shaped Kashmir’s reputation as a historic centre of fine craftsmanship.
The department said visitors will be able to watch live demonstrations of iconic artisanal skills, including Sozni and Crewel embroidery, Pashmina and Kani weaving, Papier-mâché, copper engraving, willow work and traditional tweed making.
Officials said the festival will include interactive “Meet the Masters” sessions designed to help visitors understand the skill and labour behind these crafts — many of which require years of apprenticeship and are passed down through generations.
Handicrafts remain a major source of income for thousands of families in Kashmir, but artisans have struggled with reduced tourism, competition from machine-made products, and restrictions on movement during periods of political tension.
Cultural researchers say that showcasing these crafts in public settings can help sustain both heritage and livelihoods, especially for younger artisans at risk of leaving the sector.
The department said the event is part of a wider cultural initiative aimed at promoting local crafts, preserving traditional knowledge, and reconnecting Kashmir’s artisans with domestic and international buyers.
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