SRINAGAR: Marking a vibrant celebration of India’s rich handloom heritage, Hathkargha Mela – special UT level Handloom Expo kick-started today at the Kashmir Haat Exhibition Ground in Srinagar. The event has been organized by the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, and is sponsored by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

This special expo brings together 60 skilled handloom weavers and artisans from across the UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, providing them with a dedicated platform to showcase and sell their unique, handcrafted products directly to the public. The exhibition aims to promote and preserve traditional weaving techniques while also supporting the economic upliftment of weaver communities.

The expo offers an array of exquisite handloom products including Pashmina shawls, Kani and Sozni embroidered items, cotton and silk sarees, stoles, rugs, home furnishings, and many regionally distinct textile crafts from different parts of UT.

Hathkargha Mela serves not only as a marketplace but also as a cultural bridge, encouraging public appreciation and awareness of the artistic and economic importance of handloom in the Indian textile sector. It underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining traditional crafts and empowering artisan communities. As the event has been planned alongside the holy festival, it is expected that a huge footfall of visitors will visit the exhibition.

The exhibition will continue for a period of 14 days and will end on 18 June, 2025. In addition, the exhibition will showcase the work of Craft Development Institute and Indian Institute of Carpet Technology. The event will also showcase live demonstrations of the arts and crafts by the master craftsmen from School of Designs Srinagar.

Visitors are encouraged to take this opportunity to experience the richness of Indian handlooms under one roof and to buy the same at genuine and reasonable rates.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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