National handicrafts week 2025: Kerala artisans honoured for excellence in straw and terracotta work

New Delhi: The Ministry of Textiles has announced the National Handicraft Awards for 2023 and 2024, honouring master craftspersons for their outstanding contribution to India’s traditional art and craft sector. The awards will be presented on December 9, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, as part of the National Handicrafts Week celebrations.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the awards at the ceremony. Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh will preside over the event, while Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will attend as the Guest of Honour.

A major highlight this year is the achievement of three artisans from Kerala, who have secured national recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship. The awardees from the state are B Radhakrishna Pillai (Thiruvananthapuram) for Straw Picture Craft, VK Jayan (Thiruvananthapuram) for Terracotta Craft, and K Sulaimankutty (Thiruvananthapuram) for Paddy Straw Craft. Their recognition underscores Kerala’s enduring contribution to India’s diverse handicraft traditions, especially in the fields of natural fibre and terracotta arts.

Established in 1965, the National Handicraft Awards honour craftspersons whose skills have significantly enriched India’s cultural identity. The Shilp Guru Award, introduced in 2002, remains the highest honour in the sector, celebrating artisans who demonstrate unmatched mastery, innovation and preservation of traditional crafts.

National Handicrafts Week, observed annually from December 8 to 14, promotes awareness about the cultural and socioeconomic importance of India’s craft ecosystem. The week features exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, outreach activities and cultural performances focused on strengthening the artisan community.

India’s handicraft sector plays a pivotal role in the national economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, especially in rural and semi-urban regions, while contributing significantly to the country’s export earnings. The Ministry of Textiles continues to support artisans through skill upgrading, financial empowerment, technology assistance and improved access to domestic and international markets.