Lubna Fayaz
Srinagar (NVI): In order to provide direct marketing support to maximum number of artisans and weavers of Jammu and Kashmir, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, organized a Craft Mela from October 13 at Numaish Gah (Kashmir Haat), Srinagar, in which the artisans have done a business of around Rs 12 lakh so far.
The basic purpose of organizing this fair was to involve the local artisans and weavers who are unable to do business due to current circumstances.
“From past one year the business has suffered a lot which was aggravated by lockdown. The handicrafts unsold inventory is swelling. Artisans and weavers are considered as vulnerable section so we decided to organize this fair after a lot of deliberations to provide the marketing linkages to these people,” said Masarat-ul-Islam, Director of Handicrafts.
He also said that due to COVID19, the artisans are not able to go to different places for exhibitions hence to enhance their business here only this craft mela got into shape.
The local artisans, who have been sitting at their homes due to the current situation, are very joyous over the organization of this fair.
“This helped us a lot as past abrogation of Article 370, I have been staying at home only. My inventory is ready but there were no buyers and this fair at such a time has been god sent,” said Umer Sumji, proprietor Sahara Handicrafts.
While talking about fear of pandemic in people, Umer said that the government should organize more of them as people would come out of their homes and fight the fear of pandemic.
“Less people are coming here at present because of the pandemic fear but if the government takes more such initiatives people would come out of their homes to explore,” he added.
He said that the Director of Handicrafts has been very helpful in giving a chance to the local artisans to showcase their art.
Mohammad Shafi, Manager Central Market, Kashmir Haat said that they have 68 stalls and right now 25 to 28 are functional.
“We just extended this fair by 15 more days so that artisans get to earn more. We provided stalls to the artisans free of cost and all expenses were borne by the department of handicrafts.”
In addition to this, Director of Handicrafts said that though small but this initiative has been successful as artisans have made a sale of Rs 12 lakhs in two weeks.
Another artisan, Masarat Ara, said that the government should organize such fairs continuously so that no artisan has to suffer.
Ishfar Ali, another artisan, said that this fair has proved to be a boon for him as most of his paintings and calligraphy pieces got sold.
“This is my first live demo experience and today I can say that my contacts have increased; I have received bulk orders and sold many of my paintings; this should continue as it gives me a chance to make my livelihood going.”
Though the footfall remains low at this place but the government is taking steps to involve public and people are gradually coming and business is growing steadily.
“To make it more attractive we have taken up the initiative of holding cultural programs every evening. The evenings remain busy here. In the coming days we will also introduce food marts and kids fun zones while adhering to strict social distancing guidelines.” Director of Handicrafts remarked.
He said that the event became successful through word of mouth and they are looking forward to holding more such events.
“We want to run Kashmir Haat on the pattern of Delhi Haat, which goes on round the year. We want to convert it into a spot of an attraction which will always be surrounded by people,” he added.
-CHK
