The country is celebrating National Handicrafts Week from December 8 to14 with a renewed focus on rural artisans, traditional craftsmanship and the government schemes that support India’s vibrant craft economy.

The week also features the National Handicrafts Awards, including the Shilp Guru honours, recognising master craftspersons who protect and innovate India’s artistic heritage.

Rural Livelihoods and Women at the Core

India’s handicraft heritage today spans 318 GI-tagged products and 455 recognised craft categories, reflecting the diversity of skills rooted in villages and semi-urban clusters. The sector supports an estimated 64.66 lakh handloom and handicraft artisans, with major concentrations in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

Women continue

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