Amaravati, January 26: The Andhra Pradesh government is fast-tracking the long-pending Kalamkari Craft Village project in Srikalahasti, a town renowned for its unique hand-painted Bamboo Pen Kalamkari using natural dyes and motifs from mythology and temples.
The initiative, first approved in 2017, aims to build a complete ecosystem with artisan workshops, training centres, exhibition spaces, sales outlets, dining areas, and cultural demonstrations to draw experiential tourists.
Tirupati District Collector S Venkateswar recently inspected the site with designer Archana Jaju and local artisan representatives.
The focus includes skill upgrades, modern design inputs for global markets, shared workspaces, natural dye units, export support, and financial aid especially to empower women and youth. “This is more than infrastructure; it is a platform for experiential tourism while uplifting artisans,” the Collector noted.
