The vibrant and culturally rich city of Srinagar, nestled in the picturesque Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, India, has been honored with the prestigious designation of "WCC-World Craft City" by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC International). The certificate presentation ceremony were attended by the WCC AISBL President, Mr. Saad al-Qaddumi; WCC AISBL Secretariat, Mrs. Girija Sudhakaran and the Jury members. The celebrations included various events, presentations, Craft tours, stakeholders meeting, and a grand event. Organized by the Govt of Jammu and Kashmir the celebrations were held from July 30 to August 1, 2024, which brought together government officials, artisans and stakeholders to commemorate Srinagar's newfound status, after being recognized as UNESCO Creative City.
The celebration was marked by a series of events, starting with a warm welcome on arrival, followed by the ‘traditional hospitality’. The event kicked off with a meet-and-greet at the airport, followed by lunch at the hotel and a productive meeting with key stakeholders from the craft sector. The day was capped off with a delightful dinner, where delegates and local officials exchanged ideas and celebrated the achievements of Srinagar’s craftspeople.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a visit to the iconic Nishat Garden and the Walnut Wood Carving Exhibition, where the extraordinary talents of Srinagar's wooden legacy were on display. The Certificate Distribution Ceremony held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) was a moment of pride for the entire city, showcasing the rich craftsmanship and legacy of crafts lineage that earned Srinagar its World Craft City designation.
Adding to the cultural experience, the WCC AISBL delegates were treated to a traditional high tea on a handcrafted houseboat that had ‘khatamband and pinjarakari’ wood craft at Nigeen Lake, followed by a folk performance and Kashmiri dinner on a Doonga Boat at Dal Lake, accompanied by the folk artist and performers such as santoor. These events offered a deep immersion experience into the local culture and rich heritage.
The celebration also included a fruitful meeting with key government officials, including the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Mr. Manoj Sinha; and other dignitaries such as Mr. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Honorable Lieutenant Governor; Mr. Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; and Mr. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce Department.
The event concluded with a visit to the Artisane Art & Cultural Centre, where delegates had the opportunity to further appreciate Srinagar's vibrant craft scene. The discussions emphasized the pride that the craftspeople of Srinagar take in their work and the significant role that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir plays in supporting and promoting the handicrafts sector.
Srinagar’s recognition as a WCC-World Craft City is a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of its artisans. Under the able leadership of Mr. Manoj Sinha and with the support of key government officials and stakeholders, Srinagar is poised to shine on the global craft scene. This milestone not only brings international recognition to the city’s crafts and culture but also sets the stage for further global engagement and collaboration in the world of crafts.
The World Crafts Council AISBL congratulates the people of Srinagar and looks forward to continued collaboration and shared success in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of crafts worldwide.
We hope the WCC-World Craft City network continues to grow and expand within the region and across other regions of WCC AISBL, building connections among craft cities, recognizing and preserving crafts, and supporting artisans and craft communities.
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