Patna airport to promote state’s arts and crafts

Patna: In a significant step toward promoting Bihar’s art, culture and handicrafts on national and international level, a ‘Bihar Emporium’ was opened by state industries minister Nitish Mishra at Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna on Tuesday.Its objective is to connect travellers with Bihar’s rich traditional art and craft, while providing artisans with a robust marketing platform.The minister, who was the chief guest at the function, said the Bihar Emporium will provide artisans with a new market. “When travellers from India and abroad see and purchase Bihar’s handicraft products, it will promote our culture and boost the income of the artisans. This initiative is a strong step toward a self-reliant Bihar. The emporium will directly benefit artisans by increasing their reach to domestic and international customers,” Mishra said.Traditional arts of Bihar such as Madhubani and and Tikuli paintings, Sikki craft, Manjusha art, stone carving, and wood and ceramic craft will be widely showcased and promoted through the platform.The inauguration ceremony was also attended by industries department’s additional chief secretary Mihir Kumar Singh, secretary B Kartikeya Dhanji and airport director Krishna Mohan Nehra among others.