Mohammad Hanief
Srinagar’s iconic Clock Tower, the GhantaGhar at LalChowk, Srinagar transformed into a vibrant symbol of culture and creativity on October 25, 2025 as the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, organized the “Know Your Artisan” programme. The event infused fresh life into the city centre, attracting hundreds of visitors, artisans, and admirers of Kashmiri craftsmanship, and turned LalChowk into a living exhibition of art, tradition, and heritage.
The initiative reflected a larger cultural awakening — a collective recognition of the people behind the intricate crafts that have defined Kashmir’s artistic identity for centuries. Against the graceful backdrop of the restored Clock Tower, Srinagar’s heart beat to the rhythm of looms, chisels, and brushes as artisans demonstrated their timeless skills. The air resonated with the soft hum of activity, echoing the heritage of a land where artistry is a way of life.
The event offered an immersive experience of Kashmir’s artistic diversity. Artisans representing traditional crafts such as pashmina weaving, kani shawl making, carpet weaving, papier-mâché, copper engraving, wood carving, crewel embroidery, and sozni work showcased their artistry in real time. Each stall became a small theatre of craftsmanship where creativity unfolded before visitors’ eyes.
Crowds gathered around artisans as they worked meticulously — spinning fine pashmina threads, carving intricate motifs into walnut wood, or painting delicate floral designs on papier-mâché artefacts. Visitors observed the detailed processes, often marvelling at the patience and precision that go into each creation. For many, it was an awakening to the human skill and endurance that lie behind the celebrated Kashmiri label.
The “Know Your Artisan” event broke the barriers that often separate craftspeople from consumers. It brought artisans out of their workshops and into the public space, giving them visibility and respect while allowing the public to engage directly with the creative process. The city’s busiest commercial square thus became a space for cultural dialogue — one that connected the hands that create with the eyes that appreciate.
LalChowk, with its deep historical and emotional significance, was an apt venue for such a revival. Recently redeveloped into a pedestrian-friendly zone, the square has evolved into a space not only of commerce but also of culture and community gathering. By hosting “Know Your Artisan” at this symbolic site, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom effectively transformed an urban landmark into a stage for heritage and pride.
Throughout the day, the Clock Tower was surrounded by colour, sound, and movement. Handwoven fabrics fluttered in the breeze, copperware gleamed under the autumn sun, and soft strains of Kashmiri folk music created a festive ambiance. The event became a visual narrative of Kashmir’s artistic evolution — one that speaks through texture, colour, and form rather than words.
For the artisans, this was more than an exhibition; it was an affirmation of their identity and a celebration of endurance. Many of them come from families that have practised their crafts for generations, passing skills through time despite economic pressures and social change. Their presence at LalChowk symbolized continuity — the unbroken link between tradition and modernity.
The programme was also part of a broader strategy to strengthen the artisan community through exposure, recognition, and market linkage. The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom has been working to promote traditional crafts through a combination of skill enhancement initiatives, design interventions, and marketing platforms.
Events like “Know Your Artisan” are vital in re-establishing the connection between artisans and consumers, especially in an era dominated by mass production. They bring authenticity back into public appreciation and remind the younger generation of the cultural wealth embedded in local crafts. The initiative also contributes to tourism by offering visitors a direct encounter with Kashmir’s living heritage — an experience far more engaging than conventional shopping.
For many artisans, the event opened opportunities to showcase their work to new audiences, explore collaborations, and understand changing market preferences. Younger artisans, in particular, are experimenting with ways to blend traditional methods with contemporary aesthetics, ensuring that Kashmiri crafts remain relevant in today’s global marketplace.
The “Know Your Artisan” programme also highlighted the natural synergy between handicrafts and tourism. Kashmir’s beauty has long drawn visitors from around the world, and its crafts have served as tangible memories of that experience. Hosting a craft-focused event in the heart of Srinagar allowed tourists to witness the craftsmanship that often remains hidden within workshops or remote villages.
Visitors interacted freely with artisans, purchased handmade products, and learned about the intricate processes involved in their making. This direct engagement added a new dimension to cultural tourism — one that not only supports local livelihoods but also deepens visitors’ understanding of Kashmiri identity.
The timing of the event was significant. As the region seeks to revive its tourism industry, cultural initiatives such as this reinforce Kashmir’s image as a place of beauty, creativity, and resilience. LalChowk, once a symbol of political expression, now resonated with the sounds of looms, tools, and laughter — an emblem of a city rediscovering its artistic soul.
Beyond its visual splendour, the “Know Your Artisan” programme carried a powerful message about cultural preservation. Kashmir’s handicrafts are more than commodities; they are embodiments of collective memory, tradition, and identity. Each motif in a shawl, each carving on wood, each stroke of colour in papier-mâché represents a story — one that has been shaped over centuries.
Yet, these crafts face challenges from changing lifestyles, imitation products, and declining interest among youth. Events like the one at LalChowk rekindle awareness and respect for the craft sector, reminding society that preserving heritage is as much a civic responsibility as it is a cultural one. By engaging directly with artisans, citizens and visitors become stakeholders in the effort to sustain this legacy.
The Department’s initiative thus reflects a conscious attempt to make heritage visible in everyday life — not confined to museums or markets but celebrated in public spaces where people gather, shop, and connect. It transforms cultural preservation from an abstract concept into a shared experience.
As daylight faded, the Clock Tower glowed under soft illumination, surrounded by displays of art and clusters of people still exploring the stalls. The transformation of LalChowk into a cultural arena demonstrated how urban spaces can nurture community pride and artistic expression.
The success of “Know Your Artisan” has sparked discussions about making similar events a regular feature in Srinagar’s cultural calendar. Many believe that public spaces should continue to serve as platforms for artistic interaction and heritage education, linking city life with rural craftsmanship.
Such initiatives can help sustain traditional livelihoods, encourage innovation, and restore dignity to artisanal professions. They also strengthen the emotional connection between citizens and their city — a bond rooted in shared history and creative identity.
In essence, the event transcended the boundaries of an exhibition or market fair. It was a reaffirmation of the idea that art and craftsmanship are integral to Kashmir’s social fabric. It reminded the city that behind every shawl, carpet, or carved object lies a human story — one of skill, patience, and perseverance.
By choosing the Clock Tower — a structure that has witnessed decades of change — as the venue, the organisers symbolically placed the artisan at the centre of Kashmir’s evolving narrative. The blending of past and present, tradition and innovation, made the event a celebration not only of craftsmanship but of continuity and renewal.
As the evening drew to a close, LalChowk stood as a reflection of Kashmir’s enduring creativity. The hum of activity subsided, but the spirit of the artisans lingered — a reminder that culture thrives wherever there are hands willing to create and hearts willing to appreciate.
The “Know Your Artisan” programme thus marked more than a single day of festivity; it marked a movement toward rediscovering and respecting the living heritage that defines Kashmir. In every woven thread, carved motif, and painted surface, Srinagar found a renewed sense of belonging — a quiet yet profound tribute to its artisans who continue to shape the story of this land, one masterpiece at a time.
The author is a senior analyst and can be mailed at m.hanief@gmail.com
X (Twitter): @haniefmha
