Commissioner Secretary I&C inaugurates three-day Pashmina Fest-2025 at Katra
REASI,: Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, on sunday inaugurated the three-day Pashmina Fest-2025 at the temple town of Katra.
The event, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) and sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Textiles, under the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP), celebrates the region’s timeless Pashmina legacy.
The festival follows the successful organisation of two major JKTPO events — Gandhi Shilp Bazar at Kashmir Haat, Srinagar, and the GI Fair Buyer-Seller Meet at Budgam.
After inaugurating the fest, the Commissioner Secretary interacted with artisans and buyers, lauding their efforts and expressing strong support for the initiative. He highlighted that the festival plays a crucial role in empowering local artisans, enhancing their visibility, and expanding their market reach across India. He also appreciated JKTPO’s consistent efforts in promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s rich handicraft traditions through such dedicated platforms.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik, also attended the inaugural ceremony and commended JKTPO for organizing this meaningful initiative that showcases the region’s cultural heritage and the pride of Jammu & Kashmir — the exquisite Pashmina.
Managing Director, JKTPO, Sudarshan Kumar, in his welcome address, presented an overview of the event and its objectives.
The Pashmina Fest-2025 aims to celebrate and promote GI-certified Pashmina products from the region while supporting artisans and craft enterprises. The event features Basohli Pashmina from Kathua and Srinagar Pashmina, both recognised under Geographical Indication (GI) certification, highlighting their authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural value.
The festival provides a structured platform for B2B interactions, enabling artisans to connect directly with reputed national buyers. Over 40 leading buyers from across India — including New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh — are participating, along with 50 artisan groups from Jammu and Kashmir.
This much-anticipated event is expected to give a significant boost to the region’s textile and handicraft sectors while positioning Katra as an emerging centre for craft and cultural tourism.
Through the Pashmina Fest-2025, JKTPO reiterates its commitment to preserving, promoting, and modernising the region’s craft traditions. By bringing together artisans, designers, buyers, and industry experts, the event fosters collaboration, innovation, and sustainability—ensuring that the legacy of authentic Pashmina weaving continues to thrive in the contemporary market.
