Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts, also known as the Government Institute of Cottage Industries is a Handicraft Center located in Sikkim. It 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 with its similar units spread over 20 centers in Sikkim. This centre was started during the time of the Chogyals (Kings) of Sikkim, as a venture to protect and propagate the craft and skills of local and village artisans.
Items in Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts
The institute is an authentic home to traditional handlooms and handicrafts. It has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim where traditional handcrafts, furniture, handloom carpets and other products can be viewed and also purchased. Apart from this, items like shawls, thangka paintings, Choktse, hand-painted masks, dolls made from wood, lamp-stands, batiks, sporadic silks, brocade, dappled applique work and embroidered boots are also available.
The Directorate has 28 centers all over the state and also one emporium in Sikkim House, New Delhi. A Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. has been formed to facilitate effective marketing of quality based products and create more jobs and avenues available for craftsmen. There are around 100 student workers present in this institute, who are engaged in the production of cottage crafts. An emporium is also located within the complex of institute from where tourists can purchase all the above mentioned items. The Sales Emporium remains open throughout the year.
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