Srinagar, November 13,2025: In a major boost to Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft sector, 35 master artisans and weavers from Kashmir are set to participate in the 44th edition of the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, scheduled from November 14 to 27 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), IITF is one of India’s largest trade and consumer fairs, attracting lakhs of visitors, global buyers, and traders each year. The event offers a powerful platform for promoting Kashmir’s world-famous handicrafts directly to domestic and international consumers.
According to a statement from the Handicrafts and Handlooms Department, Kashmir, the artisans were selected through a transparent draw of lots initiated by the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO). The final list includes participants from various districts — 05 each from Srinagar and Budgam, 03 each from Baramulla, Ganderbal, Anantnag, and Bandipora, 02 each from Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama, and Kulgam, along with 05 from registered Cooperative Societies.
The artisans will display a rich array of handcrafted treasures including Pashmina and Kani Shawls, Sozni and Crewel Embroidery, Hand-Knotted Silk Carpets, Walnut Wood Carvings, and Papier-Mâché masterpieces — all representing Kashmir’s timeless craft heritage.
“This is a golden opportunity for our artisans to connect directly with buyers and retain the full value of their work,” a department spokesman said. “IITF 2025 will not only enhance the visibility of GI-tagged Kashmiri crafts but also create sustainable livelihoods by linking traditional skills with modern markets.”
The participation reinforces the government’s commitment to revitalizing Kashmir’s craft industry, promoting Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sales, and positioning Kashmiri artisans on the global handicraft map.
