SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 23, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the autumn edition of ‘Know Your Artisan’, titled ‘Crafts Amongst Chrysanthemums’, at Srinagar’s Chrysanthemum Garden, bringing the Valley’s celebrated handicrafts and handloom heritage into the spotlight amid the vibrant colours of autumn.
The event showcases Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship, offering visitors an opportunity to explore authentic handcrafted products, interact directly with artisans and witness the intricate techniques behind some of the region’s most renowned art forms.
Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs Shamim Firdous, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed (Pardesi) and Salman Sagar, Director Handloom and Handicrafts, and other senior departmental officers were present at the inauguration.
CM Interacts With Artisans, Appreciates Traditional Craftsmanship
During his visit to the exhibition, Omar Abdullah toured various stalls and observed live demonstrations of Kashmir’s traditional crafts. He interacted with artisans, who explained their experiences and the skill, patience and dedication required to produce the Valley’s distinctive handicrafts.
The Chief Minister welcomed the Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s initiative to showcase traditional products at prominent tourist destinations such as the Chrysanthemum Garden.
He highlighted the value of combining Kashmir’s artistic heritage with its natural attractions, giving tourists an opportunity to appreciate the region’s cultural traditions while encouraging them to explore and purchase authentic handmade products.
20 Stalls Showcase GI-Tagged and Traditional Crafts
The department has established 20 stalls featuring Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged crafts and traditional crafts at risk of decline.
The 15-day exhibition will run alongside the Chrysanthemum Show, providing artisans with a dedicated platform to display their creations to tourists, local residents and craft enthusiasts.
The initiative also aims to strengthen the visibility of Kashmir’s handicraft sector and connect skilled craftspeople with potential buyers.
Visitors Get Hands-On Craft Experience
A special ‘Try Your Hands’ corner has been established to allow visitors to experience traditional craft-making techniques firsthand.
Visitors can witness the detailed processes involved in producing some of Kashmir’s most celebrated handicrafts and handloom products, including:
- Sozni embroidery: Delicate needlework used to embellish luxurious Pashmina shawls.
- Kani shawls: Traditional woven shawls created using the intricate taleem technique.
- Papier-mâché: Decorative art featuring intricate designs and colourful finishes.
- Willow wickerwork: Traditional products crafted from willow.
- Walnut wood carving: Fine carving that transforms walnut wood into decorative and functional objects.
These crafts represent generations of accumulated knowledge, artistic skill and cultural identity.
‘Know Your Artisan’ Promotes Kashmir’s Artistic Heritage
‘Know Your Artisan’ is a brand-promotion campaign of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department under the banner of ‘Soulful Kashmir’.
The initiative seeks to place artisans at the centre of the promotion of Kashmir’s handicrafts by providing them with opportunities to showcase their work, explain their creative processes and share the stories behind their products.
By bringing the exhibition to a popular tourist destination, the department aims to connect visitors with the people and traditions behind Kashmir’s handcrafted heritage.
Tourism and Handicrafts Come Together
The exhibition highlights the potential of integrating cultural tourism with local craft promotion. Visitors exploring the Chrysanthemum Garden can experience Kashmir’s autumn scenery while discovering traditional art forms that contribute to the region’s cultural and economic identity.
The event also provides artisans with a platform to reach new audiences and encourage appreciation for authentic handcrafted products.
With 20 stalls, live demonstrations and interactive craft activities scheduled over 15 days, ‘Crafts Amongst Chrysanthemums’ brings together Kashmir’s autumn beauty and its enduring artistic traditions.
