Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec. 8: The National Handicrafts Week is being celebrated by Directorate of Industries in A&N Islands from Dec. 8 to 14 to honour the skill, creativity, and resilience of India’s artisans. The event commemorates the invaluable contribution of craftspeople while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich handicraft traditions.
In alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call to support local artisans, citizens are encouraged to purchase indigenous handicrafts and share their experiences using the hashtags #MyHandicraftsMyPride & #MyProductMyPride. This campaign aims to enhance market visibility, access, and income for craftspeople while embodying the spirit of swadeshi and self-reliance.
To mark the occasion, a Handicraft Fair and Exhibition is being organised at the First Floor of ANE-Sagarika, showcasing the vibrant diversity of local crafts and cultural traditions. The event features live demonstrations by artisans, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness traditional craftsmanship and engage directly with creators of exquisite handmade products.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Atul Soni, Director of Industries, A&N Administration, in the presence of artisans, officials and visitors. The inauguration highlighted the Administration’s sustained efforts to empower local craftspeople and promote Island-based handicrafts on a broader platform.
Artisans and beneficiaries from ANE-Sagarika, Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan, Coir Board and the Departments of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions & Urban Local Bodies and Tribal Welfare are actively participating in the event. Their displays present an impressive blend of traditional and contemporary crafts that reflect the islands’ distinctive cultural identity.
The weeklong celebration stands as a tribute to the nation’s master artisans, the custodians of a timeless legacy and reaffirms the collective resolve to sustain and elevate the Islands’ handicraft sector for generations to come.