Every year, All India Handicrafts Week brings a quiet yet steady energy across the country. Markets feel livelier, studios open their doors a little longer, and conversations around craft gain warmth again. The 2025 edition comes with deeper participation, stronger regional representation and a renewed focus on artisans whose hands keep centuries of tradition alive. This year’s theme highlights the states and crafts that have shaped India’s artistic identity, each carrying its own rhythm, its own vocabulary and its own history.
Below is a state-wise journey through the country’s most cherished handicrafts, presented with care and respect for the communities that nurture them.
Andhra Pradesh: Kalamkari and Etikoppaka
Andhra Pradesh stands out for its two remarkable forms. Machilipatnam Kalamkari is known for its block-printed patterns, while Srikalahasti Kalamkari uses hand-drawn lines shaped with natural dyes. Both techniques involve patient repetition and strong storytelling. Etikoppaka toys, made from soft wood and coloured with natural lacquer, continue to charm collectors and children alike.
Arunachal Pradesh: Weaves of the Hills
The state hosts several tribes, each with its own weaving tradition. The Apatani, Adi and Nyishi communities create shawls, skirts and jackets with strong geometric patterns. The colours are earthy and warm, and they are closely tied to their cultural symbols.
Assam: Muga Silk and Bamboo Craft
Assam’s Muga silk is valued for its natural golden glow. The weaving process requires careful handling, and the final fabric lasts for decades. Assam is also known for its bamboo crafts, where artisans shape baskets, mats and furniture with impressive finesse.
Bihar: Madhubani and Sikki Craft
Madhubani paintings from Mithila continue to travel across the world. The style uses natural pigments and bold linework, often inspired by folklore. Sikki grass craft is another treasure from Bihar, where golden-hued grass is coiled into boxes, figures and decorative pieces.
Chhattisgarh: Bell Metal and Wrought Iron Craft
The Ghadwa community in Chhattisgarh practices bell metal craft. Figurines, lamps and ritual objects are shaped using the lost-wax technique. The state’s wrought iron craft also holds its charm, especially the animal figures used in home décor.
Goa: Coconut Shell and Clay Craft
Goa’s coastal spirit influences its handicrafts. Coconut shell carving results in bowls, ladles and candle holders that have a smooth polish. The state is also known for colourful clay figures that reflect local myths and lifestyle.
Gujarat: Kutch Embroidery and Rogan Art
Gujarat has an extensive craft map. Kutch embroidery stands out for its bright threads, mirrors and elaborate designs. Rogan art from Nirona village uses castor oil-based paint applied with a metal rod. The technique demands years of practice and deep concentration.
Haryana: Phulkari and Clay Pottery
Though Phulkari is often associated with Punjab, Haryana has preserved its styles. The stitches carry floral and linear patterns created with vibrant silk threads. Haryana’s pottery tradition also remains strong, with artisans shaping both utility and decorative pieces.
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Shawls and Wood Carving
Himachal Pradesh is known for Kullu shawls with their woven borders and warm textures. The state also excels in wood carving, where deodarwood is transformed into temples, doors and figurines.
Jharkhand: Sohrai and Tribal Metal Craft
Sohrai painting, created by women using natural pigments, covers walls with animal motifs and sweeping patterns. Jharkhand is also home to traditional metal craft shaped with hammering techniques passed down through generations.
Karnataka: Mysore Silk and Bidriware
Mysore silk is prized for its smooth texture and pure zari borders. Bidriware from Bidar is another jewel, made from zinc alloy with inlaid silver. The contrast between black metal and bright inlay gives Bidriware its unmistakable look.
Kerala: Coir Craft and Nettipattam
Kerala’s coir craft transforms coconut fibre into mats, bags and household décor. Another highlight is the Nettipattam, the ornate headgear used on temple elephants, made with gleaming brass and meticulous detailing.
Madhya Pradesh: Gond Art and Chanderi Weaving
Gond art carries rhythmic lines and patterns inspired by nature. Chanderi weaving, on the other hand, is known for its lightweight texture and translucent quality. The motifs are delicate and woven with careful precision.
Maharashtra: Warli and Paithani
Warli art continues to be a symbol of tribal storytelling. The white figures painted on earthen backgrounds reflect daily life in simple yet striking forms. Paithani weaving from Yeola uses silk and real zari to create sarees that feel regal and timeless.
Manipur: Kauna Craft and Traditional Weaving
Kauna grass craft results in baskets and bags that feel soft yet sturdy. Manipuri weavers are also known for their phaneks and intricate designs that carry cultural significance.
Meghalaya: Cane Craft and Stoles
Meghalaya excels in cane and bamboo weaving. The state also produces handwoven shawls and stoles, often made with natural fibres and subtle colour palettes.
Mizoram: Handwoven Textiles
Mizo textiles use bold stripes and geometric motifs. The puan, a traditional wrap, stands as the most popular craft from the state.
Nagaland: Naga Shawls and Wood Craft
Naga shawls carry strong patterns that reflect clan identity. The state is also known for wood carving, especially masks and ceremonial figures.
Odisha: Pattachitra and Silver Filigree
Pattachitra paintings from Raghurajpur showcase fine detailing and mythological themes. Odisha’s silver filigree from Cuttack features delicate wirework shaped into jewellery and décor pieces.
Punjab: Phulkari and Juttis
Phulkari continues to be a favourite throughout India. Punjab’s juttis, embroidered with colourful patterns, pair well with both traditional and contemporary outfits.
Rajasthan: Blue Pottery and Block Printing
Rajasthan holds a prominent space in India’s craft landscape. Blue pottery from Jaipur uses a distinctive glaze that sets it apart. Sanganeri and Bagru block printing also remain highly valued for their motifs and earthy charm.
Sikkim: Thangka and Wool Craft
Thangka paintings combine spiritual themes with precise detailing. Sikkim also produces fine wool crafts, including carpets with bright colours and symmetrical designs.
Tamil Nadu: Tanjore Art and Kanchipuram Silk
Tanjore art uses gold leaf and rich colours to create devotional imagery. Kanchipuram silk sarees are known for their bold borders and temple-inspired motifs.
Telangana: Pochampally Ikat and Cherial Scroll Art
Pochampally Ikat uses resist dyeing to create blurred yet balanced patterns. Cherial scroll art features narrative paintings created on long cloth scrolls.
Tripura: Bamboo Craft and Tribal Weaving
Artisans in Tripura shaped bamboo into trays, furniture and decorative pieces. The state’s weavers produce traditional wraps and stoles with vibrant colour contrasts.
Uttar Pradesh: Chikankari and Brass Work
Lucknow’s Chikankari uses fine needlework to create gentle, shadow-like embroidery. Moradabad is known for its brass craft, ranging from lamps to home décor items.
Uttarakhand: Wool Weaving and Wood Craft
Woollen shawls and carpets from Uttarakhand carry warmth and simple elegance. Woodcraft from the region often reflects local flora and fauna.
West Bengal: Kantha, Shola and Terracotta
Kantha embroidery uses fine running stitches to create layered textures. Shola craft uses pith to create lightweight decorative items. Terracotta work from Bishnupur also continues to attract attention for its sculptural style.
Honouring the Hands that Shape India’s Craft Legacy
All India Handicrafts Week 2025 honours the patience, talent and heritage of thousands of artisans across the country. Each state holds a world of stories shaped by clay, thread, fibre, wood and metal. As the country comes together to celebrate them, it becomes easier to see how these crafts continue to enrich everyday life, generation after generation.
If you wish to support India’s artisans and bring home products made with real skill, buy a handmade item directly from the artisans at Indiahandmade today.
