Baramulla, July 28 — A vibrant celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community spirit marked the inauguration of the week-long ‘Aakanksha Haat’ in Gulmarg, organised by the District Administration Baramulla under the national ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign.
The exhibition was jointly inaugurated today by MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, at the scenic Gondola waiting area, attracting hundreds of tourists and local visitors alike. The initiative is part of NITI Aayog’s ‘Aakanksha’ brand, launched under the Sampoornata Abhiyan to support Self-Help Groups (SHGs), artisans, FPOs, and local entrepreneurs from Aspirational Blocks across India.
“Our goal is to connect our skilled local producers with national and global markets while preserving Kashmir’s rich artistic traditions,” said DC Baramulla.
The Aakanksha Haat offers a colourful showcase of traditional Kashmiri crafts, handloom products, organic produce, herbal goods, and local delicacies. Tourists visiting the internationally famed Gulmarg were seen thronging stalls, interacting with artisans, and admiring the live craft demonstrations and cultural performances.
From intricately woven Kashmiri carpets to handcrafted papier-mâché, each stall tells a story of heritage, hard work, and hope. Local SHGs, supported under rural livelihood missions, showcased innovative, sustainable products with strong commercial appeal.
“This is not just an exhibition—it is a movement to uplift our artisans and rural economy,” said MLA Gulmarg, praising the administration’s efforts to bring such platforms to high-footfall tourist areas.
A key highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the symbolic “Hunar Ki Chaap” wall, where dignitaries including the MD of Cable Car Corporation J&K, Syed Qamar Sajad, left their handprints as a tribute to local skill and enterprise. A feedback wall also captured thoughts and messages from visitors and officials.
The event, which also includes skill-building workshops, entrepreneurship sessions, and performances showcasing Kashmir’s cultural diversity, will continue throughout the week, promoting community participation and economic empowerment.
