The Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts was established in the year 1957 with the sole purpose of promoting and preserving the fine ethnic arts and crafts of Sikkim. The Directorate is a unique combination of training-cum-production spread over 20 centers in Sikkim, which had a modest beginning of one center at Gangtok. A Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. had been formed which will facilitate effective marketing of quality based products and make more jobs and avenues for crafts persons. Such products have a huge potentiality for exports.
Craft Fairs are organized at Gangtok as yearly feature and DHH has been participating
at various fairs in the State as well as at the National level.
Famous Sikkimese Handwoven And Vegetable Dyed Carpets (Locally known as Dens or Thunchis)
The traditional Cottage Industries and speciality in handicrafts enjoys a good national and international market. The traditional crafts like Carpet Weaving,
Cane and Bamboo Crafts, spinning Wool, Handmade Paper and Thanka Paintings are well established and have government patronage in as far as training is concerned. A proficient manpower base is already available in this field, all that is required is expertise to be organized so that production quality and design can be upgraded. Professionals in the field of marketing and supply could work wonders with this traditional industry of Sikkim.
| A Thanka Painting | CraftsWomen at Work |