Image used for representational purposes only.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh handicrafts have earned yet another moment of international recognition, with the Indian High Commission in Singapore deciding to present gift boxes featuring AP art forms during India’s Republic Day celebrations in Singapore.
Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, EWS Welfare, Handlooms and Textiles, S. Savitha, said on Saturday (January 24, 2026) that the Indian High Commissioner in Singapore has placed an order with Lepakshi for 400 specially curated gift boxes. Each box will showcase traditional Andhra Pradesh crafts, including Goddess Sita leather puppetry, elephant-shaped baggage tags, and hand-painted elephant-themed coasters, reflecting the State’s rich artistic heritage.
Minister Savitha expressed happiness over the global exposure being received by AP handicrafts. She said the recognition follows last year’s Republic Day celebrations, where an Andhra Pradesh tableau highlighting traditional crafts drew widespread attention and appreciation.
The Minister said the coalition government has been extending strong support to artisans and the handicrafts sector, focusing on skill upgradation and training artists to blend traditional art forms with contemporary design elements. Special initiatives are also underway to strengthen Lepakshi, the State-run handicrafts brand.
As part of this effort, 15 Lepakshi showrooms located in major centres including Visakhapatnam, Anantapur and Kadapa are being modernised, she said. Plans are also being prepared to establish Lepakshi showrooms in other countries to further promote Andhra Pradesh handicrafts on the global stage, the Minister added.
Published – January 24, 2026 02:00 pm IST
