
PANAJI
Goan artisans participated in the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav held at Rashtrapati Nilayam, Hyderabad, from November 22 to December 1, 2025. The event brought together artisans from the western region of India to showcase India’s diverse handicraft traditions.
The Mahotsav was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Tourism. Artisans from Goa participated in coordination with the Handicrafts Service Centre, Panaji. Artisans from five states, including Goa, took part in the exhibition.
From Goa, 15 artisans represented the state. They included Sagar Naik Mule (Kaavi art), Sharad Kadari Kumbhar (pottery and terracotta), Joseph John Shriguru (crochet), Hema V Bugde (jute craft), Raziyayabegum A Mirasab (sea-shell craft), Shweta G Sawardekar (silk-thread jewellery), Roja U Kholkar (sea-shell-based jewellery), Nikita Morajkar (embroidery and crochet), Sonali S Shetgoankar (coconut shell craft), Namrata Nashlonkar (hand embroidery), Vishal V Pareshekar (bamboo furniture), Sonali Parwar (bamboo basketry), Vijay Datta Lotlikar (coconut shell craft), Shankar T Turi (Azulejos tile painting) and Prem Kumari Joseph (crocheted goods).
Live craft demonstrations by select artisans added to the cultural significance of the event.
The exhibition was further honoured by a visit from President Droupadi Murmu, who interacted with the artisans and appreciated their craftsmanship.