The state government is taking innovative initiatives to support artisans and promote handicrafts and under this various programs are being planned across the state from December 8 to 14, 2025 to celebrate National Handicrafts Week, AP Handicrafts Development Corporation P. Hariprasad said.
Addressing the media at Emporium Lepakshi in Vijayawada on Monday (December 8, 2025), Mr. Hariprasad said that a training program for brass and bronze artisans is scheduled on December 10. The program will be organized under the patronage of Guru Sishya Hastasilpa Prashikshan in Oniapapa district of Y.SR.
Detailing the week-long programme, he said a design development workshop would be held for 30 artisans at Durgi of Palnadu district on December 12. The tool kits will be distributed to artisans in Madhavamala and Srikalahasti wood artisan area in Tirupati district on December 13 and the tool kits will be distributed to 50 artisans in KD Peta district of Anakapalli on December 14.
A seven-day Gandhi Shilp bazaar with 40 artisans will be organized from December 15 to 21 at Rajamahendravaram. On December 17, the tool kits will be distributed to 50 stone carving artisans at Allagadda in Nandyal district. Mr. Hariprasad also said that wood banks are being set up to make the required wood easily available to artisans.
He added that the National Handicrafts Awards 2023 and 2024 under the Ministry of Textiles will be held on December 9 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. He said three artisans from the state have been selected for the award.
The awardees, leather puppet artisan D. Sivamma, toy maker Etikoppaka G. Santosh and Kalamkari hand painted artist P. Vijayalakshmi will receive the awards from the hands of the President during the function.
AP Handicrafts Development Corporation Managing Director M. Viswa was also present in the programme.
Published – 8 Dec 2025 22:46 IST
