The State government is taking up innovative initiatives to encourage artisans and promote handicrafts, and as part of this, various programmes are being planned across the State from December 08 to 14, 2025, for the National Handicrafts Week celebrations, said A.P. Handicrafts Development Corporation P. Hariprasad.
Addressing the media at the Lepakshi Emporium in Vijayawada on Monday (December 8, 2025), Mr. Hariprasad said that a training programme is scheduled for artisans making brass and bronze products on December 10. The programme will be organised under the aegis of Guru Sishya Hastasilpa Prashikshana in Onipenta of YSR Kadapa district.
Detailing the week-long programme, he said a design development workshop would be held for 30 artisans in Durgi of Palnadu district on December 12. Toolkits would be distributed to woodcraft artisans in Madhavamala and Srikalahasti of Tirupati district on December 13 and toolkits would be distributed to 50 artisans in K.D. Peta of Anakapalli district on December 14.
From December 15 to 21, a seven-day Gandhi Shilp Bazaar will be organised in Rajamahendravaram with 40 artisans. On the December 17, toolkits will be distributed to 50 stone-carving artisans in Allagadda, Nandyal district. Mr. Hariprasad also said wood banks are being set up to make the required wood easily accessible to artisans.
He added that the National Handicrafts Awards ceremony for the years 2023 and 2024, under the Ministry of Textiles, will be held on December 09 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Three artisans from the State have been selected for the awards, he said.
The recipients, leather puppetry artisan D. Sivamma, Etikoppaka toys maker G. Santosh and Kalamkari hand painting artisan P. Vijayalakshmi, will receive the awards from the President during the ceremony.
A.P. Handicrafts Development Corporation Managing Director M. Viswa was also present in the programme.
Published – December 08, 2025 10:46 pm IST
