Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh’s Artist Hirabai To Receive National Award at the hands of President Droupadi Murmu on December 9, 2025-Photo Credit -Internet
Raipur: Ministry of Textiles is set to honor the distinguished artisans of the years 2023 and 2024 at the Handicrafts Awards 2025, to be organised at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Amidst this gathering of extraordinary talent, the spotlight shines with particular pride on Hirabai Jhareka Baghel, a National Award winner from Chhattisgarh. Hailing from Jagdalpur, Baghel is being recognised for her unparalleled mastery and unique skill in Bell Metal (Dhokra) art, standing as a testament to the region’s deep-rooted creative lineage.
The ceremony will be graced by the Honourable President of India, Droupadi Murmu, who will attend as the Chief Guest. The event will be presided over by the Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, while the Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, will be present as the Guest of Honour.
The National Handicrafts Awards were established in 1965 with the noble objective of recognizing exemplary artisans whose unique skills have enriched the nation’s cultural heritage. The “Shilp Guru” awards, introduced later in 2002, represent the highest honour in the handicrafts sector. These are bestowed upon master craftsmen who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency, innovation, and a lifelong dedication to the preservation of traditional arts.
The award ceremony serves as the crowning jewel of the National Handicrafts Week, to be observed from December 8 to 14. Throughout this week, a vibrant spectrum of activities—ranging from handicraft exhibitions, thematic workshops, and capacity-building programs to live craft demonstrations, panel discussions, public awareness initiatives, and cultural events will be organized. These endeavors are designed to highlight and elevate the socio-economic importance of Indian handicrafts.
India’s handicrafts sector is not merely a custodian of our cultural heritage; it is the economic backbone for crores of individuals residing in rural and semi-urban landscapes.
The Ministry of Textiles continues to provide steadfast support to artisans through recognition, skill development, technological collaboration, financial empowerment, and improved market access.
Through initiatives such as the Handicrafts Awards and National Handicrafts Week, the government reaffirms its commitment to strengthening India’s rich artisanal legacy and empowering the communities that keep these ancient traditions alive.
