Wed Sep 10 13:26:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Special Chief Secretary R.P. Sisodiya lauded the ongoing Gandhi Shilp Bazaar and Lepakshi Handicraft Design Competition in Vijayawada for showcasing Indian artisans’ skills and providing them with opportunities for recognition and financial empowerment. The week-long exhibition, featuring 40 artisans from across India, highlights a variety of crafts and includes a design competition with significant cash prizes. The event aims to connect artisans with customers and designers, preserve traditional skills, and promote India’s cultural heritage.

**News Article:**

**Vijayawada Hosts Vibrant Handicrafts Bazaar, Showcasing India’s Artisan Heritage**

*Vijayawada, September 10, 2025* – The Gandhi Shilp Bazaar and Lepakshi Handicraft Design Competition are currently underway at Amma Kalyana Mandapam in Vijayawada, drawing crowds and praise for their dedication to preserving and promoting India’s rich artisan heritage.

R.P. Sisodiya, Special Chief Secretary, Handlooms and Textiles, lauded the event for providing vital opportunities for artisans to gain recognition, connect with customers, and achieve financial empowerment. “Every handcrafted piece carries the story of our culture, tradition and resilience,” he stated during his visit on Wednesday. “It is our duty to preserve and promote these crafts for future generations.”

The week-long exhibition features nearly 40 master artisans and weavers from across the country, showcasing a diverse range of crafts, including wood carvings, Thanjavur paintings, leather puppets, rugs, and imitation jewelry.

A key highlight is the Lepakshi Handicraft Design Competition Exhibition, which encourages innovation within traditional crafts like Kondapalli, Etikoppaka, wood carving, leather puppets, and Kalamkari block printing. Experts from leading design institutions are judging the entries, with gold, silver, and bronze medals and cash awards totaling ₹2.5 lakh at stake.

The award ceremony will be held on September 12th. Vishwa Manoharan, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (APHDC), described the exhibition as a crucial initiative to connect artisans with society, preserve traditional skills, and instill pride in Andhra Pradesh’s craft heritage. The event, which opened on Monday, is drawing a steady flow of visitors eager to witness the timeless charm of handmade traditions.

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