Tag: TraditionalCrafts

Social

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Felicitates Artisans and Empowers Traditional Crafts Under Seva Pakhwada

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the Seva Pakhwada initiative, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant participated in a vibrant and meaningful programme held in Panaji, aimed at honouring and empowering traditional artisans across Goa. The event was organized by the Goa Handicraft, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Handicraft, Textile & Coir.

At the heart of the celebration was the recognition of clay Ganesh idol makers — artists who continue to preserve one of Goa’s most cherished cultural traditions. These artisans were honoured for their dedication, creativity, and role in sustaining the heritage of handcrafted Ganesh murtis and related artifacts.

The Chief Minister also felicitated senior and leading producers in the handicrafts sector, acknowledging their contribution to both cultural preservation and economic development. As part of the event, tool kits were distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, a central scheme focused on supporting skilled artisans and craftsmen across India with modern tools, training, and financial support.

Weavers, another key pillar of the traditional crafts sector, received looms and loan sanction letters to help enhance their livelihood opportunities. This gesture emphasized the government’s continued commitment to strengthening rural entrepreneurship and building a self-reliant ecosystem for skilled trades.

The event underlined the broader vision of Seva Pakhwada — not just as a celebration of service, but as a hands-on approach to enabling skill development, fostering local talent, and ensuring that cultural legacies are not only remembered, but actively supported and sustained. The presence and participation of the Chief Minister added weight to the occasion, reflecting the administration’s prioritization of inclusive growth and grassroots empowerment.

This celebration of traditional craftsmanship — from idol makers to weavers — serves as a reminder that Goa’s cultural vibrancy is deeply rooted in its artisan communities. Through initiatives like these, the state reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the hands that build, design, and inspire.

National

Kolhapuri Chappals: Timeless Craft Gets Global Backing

allycaralgoa

India | July 2025 — The humble Kolhapuri chappal, a centuries-old symbol of craftsmanship from Maharashtra, is stepping onto the global stage — thanks to renewed government efforts aimed at supporting traditional artisans, protecting intellectual property, and promoting cultural exports.

GI Tag Recognition

In 2019, the Kolhapuri chappal was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, formally recognizing its regional origin and cultural significance. This move safeguarded the chappal’s unique design, hand-stitching techniques, and traditional leather tanning methods from mass-market imitation.

Government Support: From Heritage to Exports

The Government of India is now reinforcing this protection with a multifaceted support strategy, including:

  • Design protection and legal aid to prevent imitation or misuse of the GI mark
  • Training and skill development programs for artisans
  • Infrastructure and leather processing hubs near Kolhapur and Belgaum
  • Export incentives and participation in global expos through the Indian Footwear Development Program (IFDP)

These efforts are aimed not just at preserving heritage, but also at improving livelihoods, especially for rural artisan families who rely on this trade.

Artisan Voices

Many artisans in Kolhapur have expressed optimism about the renewed attention. “We’ve been making these chappals for generations. It feels good to see the government helping us with better tools, branding, and markets,” said Ramesh Kumbhar, a third-generation leather craftsman.

Global Demand Rising

Kolhapuri chappals have already made their way into fashion circles in Europe, the US, and Japan, thanks to their eco-friendly production and distinctive aesthetic. The GI tag has only amplified their appeal.

Sustainability + Style

Made using vegetable-tanned leather, without synthetic additives, Kolhapuris are part of India’s sustainable fashion narrative. Each pair is handcrafted, often taking hours to produce, making it a slow fashion icon in a fast-paced world.

The Road Ahead

With continued government backing, global demand, and cultural pride fueling momentum, the Kolhapuri chappal is no longer just a relic of the past — it’s a fashion-forward future built on tradition.

📖 Read more stories on India’s vibrant heritage at allycaral.com