Jammu and Kashmir: Craft Mela to start in Numaish Gah from Oct 13

The department has urged civil society members, youth and working class to visitNumaish Gah (Kashmir Haat) in large numbers and buy local genuine handloom andhandicraft products during the Mela to get value for their money besides providing succour to our weavers and artisans and ensure business continuity. 
The entry for generalmasses during the period of Mela has been made free.

This shall be the first physical fair after government announced measures to furtherunlock businesses and other economic activities. During the period of Craft Mela, thedepartment shall ensure that social distancing norms are adhered to in letter and spirit. 

The Covid-19 pandemic this year has dealt a severe blow to the export of famed handicraftand handloom products from Kashmir to other parts of the country and abroad this yearin view of the restrictions imposed to curb the virus. To overcome the business losses andrevive the sector, the Handicrafts & Handloom Department has intensified the ‘Vocal forLocal’ campaign launched by the Government to reach out to the artisans and weavers byconnecting them with potential buyers. 

The Department has also launched a sustainedmedia campaign to motivate different sections of the society in supplementing the effortsof the Government in increasing sales and improved profits for artisans and weavers. 

The Craft Mela shall be a continuous affair at Kashmir Haat with around 50 stalls reservedfor artisans and weavers for a period of 15 days on rotational basis.

They have beenadvised to approach the concerned Assistant Director in their respective districts forbooking of stalls on first-cum-first serve basis.

In view of business losses suffered by theartisans and weavers due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Department has proposed waiving ofstall rentals at Kashmir Haat during the period of exhibition. 

Besides the artisans and weavers from Jammu Division, the department has also invitedJ&K Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation, J&K Agro Industries andIndian Institute of carpet technology to display and sell their products. 

The productsmade by trainees at various training centres of the department, including carpets madeunder the massive carpet scheme, shall also be available for sale during the exhibition. 

Referring to the measures being taken by the government to support the craft sector,Director Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir urged the general public to visit NumaishGah and support the Government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign by buying products likePashmina and Kani Shawls, Silk Carpets, Papier Machie, Copperware, Sozni embroidery,Chain Stitch and Crewel, Aari and Stapple, Felted Numdhas and Pherans with Zari. 

He added the Department is making concerted efforts to bridge the gap between localartisans and weavers, technology and marketplaces by also using platforms like virtualfairs to counter the negative impact of the corona-virus pandemic. 

He added that the response from the participation of craft entrepreneurs and exportersin virtual fairs has been very encouraging as a large number of business queries frombuyers from all parts of the world have been received. 

The director exuded confidence that the sector will be able to reach out to a largercustomer base in virtual mode to tap new markets beyond their known destinations. 
Healso urged the artisans and weavers to come forward and form Cooperatives/ Self HelpGroups to avail the financial support announced by the government to promote theirbusinesses.