Inauguration of the Kunj | 23 Aug 2025

Why in News? 

Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh inaugurated “The Kunj”, a flagship retail and cultural destination dedicated to celebrating and promoting the diverse heritage of Indian handicrafts and handlooms, located in New Delhi. 

Key Points 

• About: The Kunj is a pioneering initiative focused on empowering artisans, improving market access, and reimagining the craft sector with a design-driven, experiential approach. 
  • Conceived and developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), this initiative aims to transform the craft sector through its unique design-led perspective. 
• It is India's first initiative of its kind, designed to promote crafts on a large scale, aligning with the central government's vision of taking artisans "from gaon to global." 
• The Kunj marks the start of a three-month inaugural celebration, offering a curated mix of retail showrooms, live craft demonstrations, artisan-led workshops, culinary experiences, and immersive exhibitions. 
• The success of this initiative is anticipated to serve as a model for similar projects across India, strengthening the country's role as a global hub for traditional craftsmanship and handmade excellence.