Art & Culture

India push to merge handicrafts and tourism has reached a major milestone with the establishment of Bihar first Craft Village in Jitwarpur. Known globally for Mithila painting, the village will now offer artists direct market access, improved infrastructure, and stronger livelihood support under the National Handicrafts Development Programme.

In the quiet town of Rohru in Himachal Pradesh, a young artisan is transforming traditional hand embroidery into a sustainable livelihood model. Kanika Atreta’s journey from a home based hobbyist to a workshop owner highlights the growing role of women entrepreneurs in preserving cultural heritage while creating employment opportunities in rural India.

India’s handicrafts sector continues to power rural livelihoods, but few crafts symbolize heritage and sustainable luxury like Kashmir Pashmina. With efforts led by the Craft Development Institute in Srinagar, the move to strengthen Geographical Indication protection is set to safeguard authenticity, boost artisan incomes, and preserve one of the country’s most celebrated textile traditions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built Seva Teerth complex in New Delhi on Friday, marking a major administrative transition that coincides with the 95th anniversary of the national capital. The modern facility will now house key government bodies under one roof.

The Deori community marked a significant cultural milestone with the ceremonial laying of the Lai Khuta for the Deori Sahitya Sabha at Bahagara Adarsh Deuri Village. Held with traditional rituals and wide community participation, the programme highlighted the growing focus on preserving Deori language, literature, and heritage.

Odisha Parab is all set to arrive in Guwahati, offering an immersive celebration of Odisha’s culture, cuisine, crafts, and tourism. Hosted at Radisson Blu Hotel from 30 January to 1 February, the three day event will showcase the State’s living traditions, artistic heritage, and experiential travel opportunities to audiences across the North East.

A landmark cultural event is underway in New Delhi as India showcases the sacred Piprahwa relics tied to Lord Buddha, brought back home after more than a century. The exhibition at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness ancient artefacts and gemstones once lost to history.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra’s recent social media tribute to Tamil Nadu’s iconic Brihadeeswara Temple has reignited global interest in this 11th-century marvel. Celebrated as a masterpiece of ancient engineering, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is now trending for its enduring structural brilliance and spiritual legacy.

In a vibrant celebration of India’s living heritage, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the prestigious Shilp Guru and National Awards for 2023 and 2024 in New Delhi. The ceremony honoured 48 master craftspersons and designers, spotlighting the handicrafts sector as a powerhouse of cultural preservation, sustainable livelihoods, and women’s empowerment.