New U'khand handicrafts on the cards

Uttarakhand’s handicrafts are set for a makeover, thanks to a project that will help design new products but also enhance the skills of artisans.

The state-run Uttarakhand Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Council (UHHDC) has roped in National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, for this purpose.

NID is analysing the market for these handicrafts, so that they can be sold at all tourist destinations in the hill state and help increase the incomes of the artisans.

“Lakhs of tourists come to Uttarakhand but unfortunately they don’t get any souvenirs which they can buy from our state. The idea is to design new products which we hope will attract these tourists,” says S C Nautiyal, chief executive officer (CEO) of UHHDC.

In the first phase, four crafts have been selected — aipan, products made from ringal (hill bamboo), woollen products and copper products.

The new designs will be based on the flora and fauna of Uttarakhand in order to make them uniquely local.

Meanwhile, workshops have been organised in the Uttarkashi, Bageshwar and Almora districts for the benefit of craftsmen.