Week-long ‘Aakanksha Haat’ inaugurated at Gulmarg

Baramulla, July 28: Member of Legislative Assembly from Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa on Monday inaugurated, ‘Aakanksha Haat,’ a week-long exhibition organised by the district administration Baramulla under the national initiative, ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign at waiting area of Gondola in Gulmarg.According to a statement issued here, the initiative is part of the countrywide ‘Aakanksha’ brand launched by NITI Aayog, aimed at promoting local products, artisans, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from Aspirational Blocks across India with a goal to strengthen the rural economy, support traditional skills, and connect local entrepreneurs to national and global markets.‘Aakanksha Haat’ featured a wide array of local products including traditional crafts, Kashmiri carpets, handloom items, organic produce, local delicacies, and herbal goods, among other region-specific offerings. The event also hosted live craft demonstrations, cultural performances, skill-building workshops, and sessions on marketing and entrepreneurship.The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Chief Planning officer, Baramulla along with other district officers and saw enthusiastic participation from artisans, SHGs, local entrepreneurs and hundreds of tourists/visitors.At the outset, MLA and DC Baramulla took a detailed round of the exhibition, inspecting stalls set up by various SHGs, artisans, government departments, and local entrepreneurs. These stalls showcased a wide range of region-specific products, including intricately woven Kashmiri carpets, handloom textiles, organic produce, herbal goods, traditional crafts, and local delicacies.Hundreds of tourists visiting the internationally acclaimed tourist destination of Gulmarg were seen thronging the exhibition stalls, exploring authentic local products and appreciating the craftsmanship on display.