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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) officially kicked off the Gandhi Shilp Bazar 2026 at Jammu Haat. After the successful launch of 03 major events — the Gandhi Shilp Bazar at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar, the GI Fair Buyer-Seller Meet at Budgam and the Pashmina Fest at beautiful temple town of Katra- the JKTPO has organised another distinctive initiative the Jammu edition of Gandhi Shilp Bazar (District).
The 07-day event has started and will culminate on January 21, 2026, celebrating the timeless elegance and craftsmanship of Jammu and Kashmir’s world-renowned Handicraft products. Organized by the JKTPO and sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP), the event aims to highlight the exceptional skills of artisans and craft enterprises, celebrating the timeless legacy of Handicraft sector craftsmanship.
The exhibition was formally inaugurated on January 16, 2026, by Sh. Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who also graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce Department, Guest of Honour. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by senior officers from the Industries & Commerce Department and other officials.
During the inauguration, Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the participating artisans and appreciated the quality, creativity, and rich cultural value of the products on display. He underscored the significance of such platforms in enhancing artisan livelihoods, promoting indigenous crafts, and strengthening national-level market linkages. He also commended JKTPO’s sustained efforts in promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s rich craft heritage through such dedicated platforms.
Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh expressed his sincere gratitude to the Deputy Chief Minister for gracing the occasion. He encouraged artisans and participants from different regions to continue showcasing the diversity of cultures and traditions represented at the exhibition and assured continued support of the Government of J&K for organizing similar initiatives in the future.
Managing Director, JKTPO, Sudershan Kumar warmly welcomed the dignitaries and acknowledged the institutional support extended by the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles. He appreciated the enthusiasm and commitment of the participating artisans and appealed the general public to visit Jammu Haat to experience the vibrant artistic showcase and craftsmanship on display.
The Gandhi Shilp Bazar aimed to provide a national-level marketing platform to artisans from across the country, highlighting India’s diverse craft traditions while supporting artisan livelihoods, market access, and preservation of traditional skills.
40 artisans participated from across country including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthanand showcased an extensive range of handmade products including Pashmina and Kani shawls, Sozni embroidery, Jute Craft, & Crochet Goods, Leather Footwear, Paintings, Imitation Jewellery, Hand Block printing, handloom textiles, dry flower crafts, and other traditional handicrafts.
The seven-day event offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness traditional techniques and purchase authentic handmade products at reasonable prices directly from artisans. By organising these kind of fests/events, the JKTPO reaffirms its commitment to preserving, promoting, and modernising the craft heritage. The Gandhi Shilp Bazar is open to the public till 21st January 2026 at Jammu Haat, and citizens are encouraged to visit and support India’s rich handicraft heritage.
