SRINAGAR, JULY 18: The ongoing Handicrafts & Handlooms (H&H) Craft Mela 2021, which started on the 10th of this month at Kashmir Haat, is attracting more and more crowded as a large number of people turned to the exhibition on Sunday evening.
During the exhibition, artists apart from Information Department including Athar Balpuri, Ghulam Mohammad Anzwali, Mohi-ud-Din Khanday, Wasim Khan, a young singer from the Sufi Mystics group mesmerized audience with Sufi Kalam, while as Gul Javed performed traditional Kashmiri songs.
The handicrafts including carpets, Pashmina and Kani shawls, Paper mache, Chain stitch, men's and women's handmade clothing, willow wicker and other products are the center of attraction of buyers in the Mela. Besides, various food and beverage stalls setup inside the Kashmir Haat also get a good number of customers on a daily basis.
Director, Handicrafts and Handlooms Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, said that the condition of Kashmiri artisans had been severely affected during the last two years of stagnation and the purpose of the exhibition is to stabilize them financially besides promote their products.
While advising visitors to observe covid SoPs, Shah said that Kashmir Haat has ample space inside and asked visitors to maintain physical distance and follow the Covid guidelines strictly.
It is pertinent that DIPR's Cultural Unit organizes daily musical programs in which the departmental artists as well as young Kashmiri singers, including folk, qawwali, sufi and traditional Kashmiri singers perform daily on Kashmir Haat band stand.
Cultural Officer, Tawheed Ahmad Mir said that with the improvement in the Covid situation, recreational and cultural programs would be organized at different places of the valley starting from Kashmir Haat and the platform will be provided to young artists to show their talent and enthrall audiences.
The Programme Coordinator & AECO Cultural Unit, Syed Shakeel Shaan said that the Cultural Wing will bring young and budding singers, poets and actors of Kashmir on stage in different places to showcase their talents so that they can be encouraged and recognised by the people.
The exhibition will continue even after Eid, said the concerned officer.
