Srinagar becoming the fourth Indian city to be recognized as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council is indeed a significant achievement. It highlights the city’s rich heritage in crafts and folk arts, building on its earlier designation as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network.
This recognition not only celebrates Srinagar’s cultural diversity but also promotes its artisans and crafts globally.
“Heartiest congratulations to Srinagar for being recognised as a World Craft City by the World Crafts council,” J&K’s L-G Manoj Sinha posted on X.
Srinagar is now considered as the World Craft City
“This prestigious honour celebrates the rich heritage, craftsmanship and vibrant culture of our beloved Srinagar.”
Jaipur, Malappuram, and Mysore are the other Indian cities that have been recognized as ‘World Craft Cities’ by the World Craft Council.
Each of these cities has a unique cultural heritage and a strong tradition of craftsmanship, which has been acknowledged on the global stage through this prestigious designation.
“We have been an international craft destination for a long time…, but our craft industry has been on the back burner for the last three decades,” Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms Mahmood Ahmad Shah told.
“After this, we can again promote Srinagar as a craft destination,” he said.
In April this year, a three-member independent panel of craft specialists from the World Craft Council visited Srinagar.
Craftwork of Srinagar
Their visit was likely crucial in evaluating Srinagar’s application and assessing its rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Such visits are instrumental in determining whether a city meets the criteria for recognition as a ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council.
It’s impressive that the J&K administration applied for Srinagar’s recognition as a World Craft City in 2021, alongside its UNESCO Creative Cities Network designation. Srinagar’s diverse craftsmanship, spanning papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, carpets, Sozni embroidery, and Pashmina and Kani shawls, reflects a vibrant cultural tapestry.
These crafts not only showcase the city’s artistic prowess but also contribute significantly to its cultural and economic identity.
