Srinagar

Srinagar has become the sixth Indian city to be included in the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) under the Crafts and Folk Arts Category.

So far, only five Indian cities – Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Arts), Varanasi (Creative city of Music), and Chennai (Creative city of Music) has figured in this list, Mumbai (films), and Hyderabad (Gastronomy).

The announcement has sent a thrill of joy in Kashmir as it means Kashmir’s arts and crafts getting a new recognition under the UNESCO tag.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for this:

Delighted that beautiful Srinagar joins the @UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with a special mention for its craft and folk art. It is a fitting recognition for the vibrant cultural ethos of Srinagar. Congratulations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2021

The UNESCO creative city network involves seven creative fields arts and folk art, media, film, literature, design, gastronomy and Media arts.

The nomination for Srinagar as Creative city was first filed by Srinagar in year 2019 and that year Hyderabad for Gastronomy and Mumbai for Film were chosen that year.

Chief Executive Officer, Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project, JKERA, Dr Abid Rashid Shah, said that process of nomination of Srinagar under the UNESCO Creative City Network was undertaken and funded under the World Bank Funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. This is the recognition of the historical Crafts and Arts of the City.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has congratulated those who worked tirelessly behind preparing this proposal for getting the UNESCO tag to the ancient city;

Srinagar included in @UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the crafts &folk art category. It is ultimate recognition for artisans & weavers of J&K. Congratulations to entire J&K team, @Junaid_Mattu Ji, @AtharAamirKhan & thanks to @EduMinOfIndia, @MinOfCultureGoI for all the support.

— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) November 8, 2021

The proposal was prepared by the Srinagar Municipal Council in association with INTACH.