AP to Build 2 Mega Crafts Villages

Andhra Pradesh could soon find a pride of place in the national cultural scene, with ambitious plans afoot by the state to give a boost to indigenous arts and crafts in a big way.

The state Department of Tourism is building two mega crafts villages in addition to their existing popular counterparts -- Shilparamam in Hyderabad and recently opened Hasthakalaramam in Tirupati.

The state would be investing about Rs 2 crores to build the villages in tourist places of Warangal and Vijaywada, famous for their arts and crafts. These villages will be as grand as the Shilparamam, one of the most popular crafts villages in the country, Mr Kishan Rao, director Tourism Department, told ET.

The crafts villages, to be ready in six months to an year, will offer a platform to local artisans and craftsmen to display their work, which is otherwise dying out with modernisation, and will also eliminate the middleman and put them in direct contact with art lovers.

The two villages, with ethnic stalls by the artisans, are expected to draw over 10,000 visitors at least a day, and generate a business of around Rs 50-60 lakhs a week. Something that Shilparamam and Hasthakalaramam generate during crafts festivals. They will also host cultural festivals and events regularly.