Vijayawada, July 7 (AHN) Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday announced that measures will be taken to develop handicraft tourism on the lines of eco-tourism and temple tourism.

He assured that measures will be initiated to ensure that artisans who create artistic pieces receive due recognition.

Inaugurating the 'Andhra Pradesh Handicraft Festival 2026' organised by the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (Lepakshi) here on Tuesday, he directed officials to produce special documentaries to introduce the struggles of artisans to the world.

Kalyan also assured that common facility centres will be established cluster-wise under the VB-G Ram G.

He assured artisans that all possible measures will be taken to preserve handicrafts.

He suggested conducting continuous medical camps, cluster-wise, to protect the health of handicraft artisans.

The festival showcases artistic works by renowned handicraft artisans from various regions across the state.

By visiting every stall and purchasing handicraft products, he extended his personal encouragement to the artisans.

He mingled with the artisans, commended their skills, inquired about their achievements and challenges, and issued on-the-spot instructions to officials to provide the necessary facilities.

He assured that the coalition government will provide the necessary support for the development of the state's handicrafts.

Kalyan first visited the stall set up by leather puppet artisans from Kakinada. He examined the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata art forms. The Ravana slaying episode performed by the leather puppet artists captivated everyone.

The artisans explained that their families, who have traditionally relied on leather puppetry as a livelihood, have now reached a stage where they are giving international-level performances. He gave assurance that special leather puppetry demonstrations will be arranged during the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu to showcase the art form's excellence.

The actor-politician visited the Uppada sarees stall and purchased three Uppada Jamdani sarees for his wife Anna Konidela and some garments for himself.

He took keen interest in handbags, files, and other eco-friendly products made from banana fibre.

He inquired about the artisans' production methods and purchased a handbag from them.