Craftkatha 2025: India’s Handicraft Legacy

Craftkatha 2025 Showcases India’s Handicraft Legacy

Why in News ?

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty inaugurated “Craftkatha–2025” in New Delhi during National Handicrafts and Heritage Week 2025, aiming to promote India’s handicraft heritage, strengthen artisan livelihoods, and encourage youth participation in traditional crafts.

Craftkatha 2025: India’s Handicraft Legacy

Craftkatha 2025: Event Highlights And Objectives

  • Craftkatha–2025 was inaugurated by Sudha Murty, Rajya Sabha MP and noted social worker.
  • The exhibition is part of the National Handicrafts and Heritage Week 2025
  • It showcases artisans from across India, representing the country’s rich and diverse craft traditions.
  • The event seeks to celebrate India’s artistic and cultural heritage through a curated display of handmade products.
  • According to the Ministry of Textiles, the exhibition aims to promote sustainable livelihoods for artisans.
  • Special emphasis is placed on encouraging young artisans to take up traditional crafts as viable professions.
  • The exhibition provides a national platform where master artisans can directly interact with buyers and designers.
  • By integrating heritage with contemporary markets, the event strengthens grassroots craft ecosystems.

Institutional Support And Public Engagement

  • The exhibition is organised by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with key sectoral institutions.
  • National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC) is a major partner, supporting marketing and supply chains.
  • The All India Artisans and Craft Workers Welfare Association (AIACWWA) is also a co-organiser.
  • Craftkatha–2025 brings together designers, students, buyers, and craft enthusiasts on one platform.
  • The event is hosted at Handloom Haat, New Delhi, a dedicated space for promoting indigenous crafts.
  • It remains open from 11 AM to 8 PM daily until 17 December 2025.
  • Such exhibitions enhance market access, reduce dependence on intermediaries, and improve artisan incomes.
  • Public engagement helps revive interest in handmade and sustainable products.

About Handicrafts Sector And Policy Framework:

●     Handicrafts Sector: Labour-intensive, largely unorganised, and a key source of rural and urban informal employment.

●     Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Textiles.

●     Key Institutions: NHDC, Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).

●     Major Schemes:

○      National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP)

○      Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS)

●     Economic Significance: Promotes exports, women’s employment, and cultural tourism.

●     Sustainability Aspect: Uses eco-friendly processes and supports inclusive growth.