Woollen Carpets Fetch Rs 5 Lakh at Srinagar Exhibition

SRINAGAR: The hand-knotted woollen carpets from the Massive Carpet Scheme centres were sold out in a matter of minutes during the ongoing Trainee Product Sale at Numaish Gah, recording total sales of nearly Rs 5 lakh. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the Department of Handicrafts and Handlooms, Kashmir, announced a bid-based auction of silk and woollen carpets produced at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar.

“In view of the huge response, the department decided to organise a bid-based auction of trainee products made in the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, where both silk and woollen carpets will be sold to the highest bidder,” a departmental spokesman said.

The Trainee Product Sale, which forms part of the National Handloom Day celebrations, saw a large turnout of visitors at Kashmir Haat (Numaish Gah) on Wednesday. Shoppers purchased handloom and handicraft items made by trainees from various departmental centres, offered at cost-to-cost prices.

District-level departmental stalls also recorded strong sales. Popular purchases included Crewel and Sozni embroidered shawls, Zari embroidered ladies’ suits and pherans, Chain Stitch and Tapestry products, Namda rugs, papier-mâché items, and willow wicker crafts.

The department also hosted a live demonstration of Kani weaving and the rare hand-spinning of Pashmina wool through its School of Designs. “The National Handloom Day also gave us an opportunity to give traction to Srinagar city’s unique distinction of having been notified as a Craft City by the World Craft Council and as a UNESCO Creative City,” the spokesman added.

The Trainee Product Sale will continue until August 10. The department has also announced that a high-profile Gandhi Shilp Bazaar will be held at Kashmir Haat from August 20 to 27, offering another platform for artisans and an opportunity for buyers to support the ‘Be Vocal for Local’ campaign.