As tourist influx increases, Jammu and Kashmir government organises craft exhibition in Sheri Kashmir international conference centre (SKICC)
Offering the visitors an opportunity to observe the exquisite crafts by local artisans and promote handicrafts, Jammu and Kashmir government has organised an exhibition in Sheri Kashmir international conference Center (SKICC), located on the banks of mesmerizing Dal Lake overlooking the Zabarwan mountains in Srinagar.
The exhibition was organized by the department of handicrafts and handlooms, where artisans from around Jammu and Kashmir installed their stalls to showcase the unique and distinct art and craft of the valley.
Spread over rolling acres of green carpet SKICC is now the country’s newest and one of its most modern convention centres equipped to handle international conferences with ease and efficiency. It is ideally located on the banks of Dal Lake overlooking the Zabarwan mountains in the backdrop and in the neighbourhood of Mughal Gardens.
According to the Director of Handicrafts in Kashmir, Tariq, “This mega art exhibition was organized by the department of handicrafts and handlooms to showcase handicraft art as well as to provide a platform for sellers and buyers.”
He further said that an e-commerce platform is being developed at this moment to connect the buyers directly with the local artisans. The Arts emporium of Kashmir is creating a platform for online exchange and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with Flipkart to help the local artisans to sell their products.
“Such exhibitions should also be hosted at block levels to further improve the conditions of the local vendors.”, said Irshad Ahmed a staller at the exhibition selling Kashmir willow bats.
During this exhibition, artisans have put up stalls that display carpets, shawls, walnut products, crewel, chain stitches, willow wicker, paper mache, Kashmir willow bats, and woollen crafted by artisans of the valley.
After Covid the tourist influx has spurred gradually and these types of exhibitions can attract them on a large scale which is in artisan favour of artisan community.Earlier this year Kashmir valley also made into the list of heritage sites of UNESCO owing to breathtaking sites and unparalleled craftsmanship.
