The fourteen day Expo from 12 October, 2023 to 25 October, 2023 has been held at Pahalgam to showcase the exquisite art and craft of Jammu & Kashmir. The Expo has been sponsored by the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Ministry of Textiles under National Handloom Development Programme: (NHDP) and organized by Weavers Service centre, Srinagar with the theme "My Handloom My Pride" and "Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion" in coordination with Pahalgam Development Authority.
Chief Guest, Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Development Department, Kashmir addressed to the weavers and artisans and suggested towards the production of Handloom/ Handicraft Products, Khadi products etc. The Director, Handicrafts & Handloom along with many dignitaries took round of all the stalls and enquired about the exhibits created by local weavers. He expressed that the Expo will give Weavers/Artisans and Cooperative societies a suitable marketing platform to sell their genuine products directly to the buyers and provide the tourists and people to get a glimpse of the rich art and craft of Jammu & Kashmir.
He appealed to people to visit the expo at PDA Park, Main Market, Pahalgam and support the local weavers by purchasing local products. The special attraction of the ongoing exhibition of Kani Pashmina shawls, Pashmina shawls, Woolen shawls, Mufflers, Coats, Blankets, and varieties of Handloom/ Handicraft Products, Khadi Products, will be available for buyer to enrich with precious Handloom products for the overall service to the Country and encouraging weavers creativity for manufacturing handloom products by giving respect to them and life to Sant Kabir And Mahatma Gandhi.
The Assistant Director, Weavers' Service Centre, Srinagar, Tahir Ahmad Hakim informed that as many as 60 Handloom/ Handicraft and Khadi Societies will get the opportunity to display their products during the fourteen days expo. He also appealed to the interested, uncovered weavers to register with the department to avail the schemes of the department and ti earn livelihood.
He said the event was being organized with the message 'Khadi for Nation. Khadi for Fashion' which will greatly support local weavers in terms of both promotion and sale.