President to Honor Master Craftspersons at Handicrafts Awards 2025

Celebrating India's Handicraft Heritage

New Delhi, Nov 5: President Droupadi Murmu is set to present the Handicrafts Awards 2025, recognizing outstanding master craftspersons for the years 2023 and 2024, on December 9, as announced by the Ministry of Textiles on Friday.

This ceremony will take place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi and is a key highlight of the upcoming National Handicrafts Week, which kicks off tomorrow.

According to the Ministry, these esteemed national awards celebrate exceptional artistic talent and underscore the government's steadfast dedication to safeguarding and promoting the nation's rich handicraft traditions.

Since their establishment in 1965, the National Handicrafts Awards have honored remarkable artisans whose outstanding craftsmanship has significantly contributed to the cultural fabric of the country.

The Shilp Guru Awards, launched in 2002, represent the pinnacle of recognition within the Indian handicrafts domain. These awards honor artisans who have exhibited exceptional skill and creativity in their craft, ensuring the preservation and advancement of India's diverse craft heritage.

National Handicrafts Week, observed annually from December 8 to 14, serves as a tribute to the artisans of India and highlights the lasting cultural importance of handicrafts, as stated by the Ministry.

This week will encompass a variety of activities and public engagements designed to raise awareness, bolster artisan livelihoods, and emphasize the socio-economic importance of the handicraft sector in modern India.

Highlighted activities will include exhibitions showcasing remarkable craftsmanship, thematic workshops, capacity-building initiatives, craft demonstrations, panel discussions, outreach programs, and cultural performances.

The handicrafts sector is a vital part of India's cultural and economic framework, preserving age-old traditions, supporting millions of livelihoods, especially in rural and semi-urban regions, and making a significant contribution to the country's export revenue.

The Ministry expressed its ongoing commitment to supporting artisans through recognition, skill development, technological advancements, financial empowerment, and enhanced access to both domestic and international markets.

Through these efforts, the government aims to further elevate India's handicraft legacy, strengthen artisan communities, and ensure that traditional crafts continue to flourish in today's world.