Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation launched the National Handicrafts Week celebrations on Monday, with special discounts offered on a wide range of products at Lepakshi Emporia across the state. The initiative aims to boost sales, promote traditional crafts, and support local artisans. The promotions will run till Dec 14.As part of the week-long events, training for 30 brass and bronze artisans will begin on Dec 10 at Vonipenta in Kadapa district. A design development workshop will be held on Dec 12 at Durgi in Palnadu district. Tool kits will be given to woodcarving artists at Madavamala and Srikalahasti on Dec 13, and to 50 artisans at KD Peta in Anakapalle district on Dec 14. A Gandhi Shilp Bazaar with 40 artisans will be held at Rajamahendravaram from Dec 15 to 21.Handicrafts Corporation chairman Pasupuleti Hariprasad said the govt is committed to strengthening the handicrafts sector. “The glory of our handicrafts is a source of cultural pride. The govt is working with innovative programmes to promote and empower artisans. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure raw material supply and banking assistance for artisans,” he said. He also announced that three artisans from Andhra Pradesh will receive national handicraft awards at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday.
