Enthusiastic participation from students, artisans, local community witnessed
Budgam: The second day of the three-day cultural and heritage workshop “Naqsh-e-Meeras” was Friday successfully conducted at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Budgam, with enthusiastic participation from students, artisans, youth and members of the local community.
The workshop, being organised by the District Administration Budgam under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and NIFT Budgam, aims to promote, preserve and revive the rich traditional art and craft heritage of Jammu & Kashmir, while strengthening connections between younger generations and authentic handcrafted traditions.
Day 2 of the programme witnessed vibrant cultural and creative activities focused on showcasing Kashmir’s indigenous crafts and artistic skills.
Multiple stalls displayed a wide range of traditional art forms including Paper Machie, Kani weaving, Sozni embroidery, Kangri making, cooper making, wood carving and other age-old crafts, attracting large footfall and appreciation from visitors.
Live demonstrations of traditional techniques were also organised, allowing participants to closely observe and understand the intricate processes involved in heritage crafts. Activities such as yarn weaving and other traditional methods provided hands-on learning opportunities, helping bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern audiences.
Various creative competitions and interactive sessions were held for students and young artists, including painting, sketching and calligraphy, aimed at nurturing creativity and encouraging appreciation for cultural heritage among youth.
An exclusive art gallery continued to draw attention, featuring iconic paintings depicting old Jammu & Kashmir, offering visitors a visual journey through the region’s rich cultural, historical and artistic legacy.
Besides, guests from Indra Gandhi National centre forArts ,Senior district officers including GM DIC Budgam Zahid Rashid, SDM Beerwah Taufeeq Gazi, Chief Planning Officer Budgam Javaid Ahmad Najar, along with other officers of the district administration, visited the venue and interacted with artisans, students and organisers.
Large participation was recorded from students of various schools and colleges, local youth, Self Help Groups (SHGs), traditional artisans and members of the general public, reflecting strong community engagement and growing interest in heritage preservation and promotion of local crafts.
The ongoing workshop continues to serve as an important platform for artisan empowerment, youth engagement and promotion of indigenous crafts, while aligning with the spirit of Vocal for Local by encouraging the adoption and support of locally made, authentic handcrafted products.
The three-day workshop will conclude tomorrow with further cultural activities, exhibitions and interactive sessions aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisans and preserving the region’s rich cultural identity.
