New Delhi, Dec 2 (IANS): There is a wave of joy among artisans from Kashmir Valley after receiving the Shilp Guru Award and national level honours.

In various categories of handicrafts, two artisans from Kashmir have been awarded the Shilp Guru Award while 6 artisans have been honoured with national level awards.

The Shilp Guru Awards are given to master craftsmen who have achieved excellence in their craft.

Bashir Ahmad Butt and Iqbal Hussain Khan of Gazi Doori were awarded Shilp Guru awards for the year 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Besides, 6 artisans were awarded with national honours. Among them, craftsman Muzaffar Hussain Khasho from Srinagar was given this award for the year 2019 , and Zahoor Ahmed from Zadibal for the year 2019.

Giving these honours to these artisans has boosted the morale of other artisans of the valley.

These artisans told the media that they are extremely grateful to the Central government and the union territory administration for encouraging them.

He said that such measures have given him more encouragement.

The Shilp Guru Award includes a gold coin, Rs 2 lakh, a Tamrapatra, a shawl and a certificate, while the national level honour includes cash of Rs 1 lakh, a Tamrapatra, a shawl and a certificate.

Farooq Ahmad, a Namde craftsman, told a local media outlet that the recognition of the valley's artisans is a welcome step.

He said that in this way it will also help to restore the glory of dying handicrafts in the valley.