Surat Artisan Rakesh Petigara Wins National Handicrafts Award for Saadeli Craft

Surat | Gujarat — In a proud moment for Surat and the Indian handicraft fraternity, Rakesh Jitendrakumar Petigara, an eminent master of Saadeli Wood Craft, has been conferred with the prestigious National Award for Handicrafts by the President Draupadiji Murmu, Government of India. The award ceremony held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi honored his exemplary and outstanding craftsmanship in  contribution to the preservation, innovation, and promotion of India’s and Surat GI Craft the Saadeli Wood craft -traditional craft heritage.

Saadeli Art—an intricate, centuries-old craft form for which Surat is renowned—is officially registered under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and Shri Petigara holds the authorized GI certification, further strengthening the authenticity and global recognition of this heritage art.

Petigara has spent decades mastering and revitalizing Saadeli Art. In recognition of his efforts to revive this languishing craft, he was honored with the Kamala Award in 2021—an accolade given for outstanding contribution toward the revival and continuity of endangered traditional crafts.

The legacy of craftsmanship runs deep in the Petigara family. His father, Jitendra Petigara, a respected senior artisan, received the State Award in 2002 and went on to receive the National Award in 2005 for his invaluable contributions to Saadeli Art. Continuing this creative lineage, his wife, Smt. Pinalben J. Petigara, was honored with the State Award in 2024, marking the family as one of the most distinguished in the field of traditional handicrafts.

Expressing his gratitude, Rakesh J. Petigara said,“Receiving the National Award is an immense honor. It motivates me to continue preserving our traditional Saadeli craft and to inspire the next generation to carry forward this precious heritage.”

Instituted in 1965, the National Awards for Handicrafts honor artisans across India who display extraordinary skill and dedication. Shri Petigara’s recognition places him among the country’s most celebrated craft masters and shines a national spotlight on the GI-tagged Saadeli Art of Surat.

The artisan community, cultural organizations, and well-wishers across Gujarat have extended heartfelt congratulations, celebrating this remarkable milestone for both the artist and the craft form.