A People-Friendly Initiative Celebrating Kashmir’s Living Heritage
RAYEES AHMAD KUMAR:
The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, launched a three-day Know Your Artisan campaign on November 20, 2025, at the historic Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. This much-needed initiative brought together thirty master artisans representing a wide range of traditional crafts, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the artistry that defines Kashmir’s cultural identity.
The event showcased live demonstrations of iconic crafts such as Sozni and Crewel embroidery, Pashmina and Kani weaving, Papier-mâché, copperware Kandkari, willow work, and tweed. Visitors not only viewed the intricate processes firsthand but also interacted directly with the master craftsmen. The atmosphere was vibrant, creative, and deeply rooted in Kashmir’s centuries-old artistic heritage.
Kashmir’s handicrafts are more than just commercial products — they are stories woven by skilled hands, reflecting generations of knowledge, devotion, and craftsmanship. The Know Your Artisan carnival served as a tribute to these gifted artisans and an invitation to craft lovers to discover the true soul of Kashmir.
A significant historical thread tied to Kashmir’s craft culture is the legacy of the revered Sufi saint, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA). He visited Kashmir three times, accompanied by nearly 700 disciples, each proficient in different crafts. Along with spreading Islamic teachings, they introduced local communities to various art forms that were native to their homelands. These companions combined spiritual enlightenment with practical skill-building, laying the foundations for the economic upliftment of the valley. Their contribution shaped the region’s craft traditions and strengthened the local economy in profound ways.
This invaluable legacy gifted by Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA) is timeless and irreplaceable. Preserving it is not merely a cultural responsibility but a moral duty. The most meaningful tribute we can offer him today is to protect, promote, and pass on these crafts to future generations. Initiatives like Know Your Artisan are essential to ensure that master craftsmen receive the recognition and platforms they deserve, both within Kashmir and on the global stage.
A similar spirit of preservation and promotion was seen in Ganderbal, where a three-day Craft Demonstration-cum-Awareness Programme was inaugurated at Government Boys High School, Anderwan. Held under the aegis of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the event was formally opened by the Assistant Director, Handicrafts Ganderbal, Mr. Pawan. He briefed students about various schemes and initiatives aimed at empowering local artisans and sustaining traditional crafts.
During the workshop, three major crafts were demonstrated: Sozni Work, Willow Work, and Tilla Embroidery.
In the Sozni segment, celebrated national awardee Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat from Beerwah explained the immense cultural and economic value of the craft. Having represented India in BRICS nations, and honoured with the State Award (2011) and National Award (2012), Bhat is a globally recognized master craftsman. He highlighted how Sozni continues to support hundreds of artisans across Kashmir.
Veteran craftsman Bashir Ahmad Dar from Peerpora, Ganderbal, showcased Willow Work, an eco-friendly craft known for producing durable and affordable products. With an experience of 36 years and a National Award to his credit (2013), Dar emphasized the relevance of willow craft in sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation.
The Tilla Embroidery session was led by Nazir Ahmad Malik from Wakoora, who demonstrated the delicate art of designing traditional Tilla motifs on Kashmiri pherans. His skill and precision left students mesmerized, offering them a glimpse into one of Kashmir’s most cherished craft traditions.
The department thoughtfully arranged refreshments for students, and the enthusiasm among youth remained consistently high. The hands-on learning, engaging storytelling, and personal interactions with master artisans made the workshop both educational and inspiring.
In an era when unemployment among educated youth in Kashmir has reached alarming levels, it is vital to explore alternative avenues that offer sustainable, dignified livelihoods. Today, it is not uncommon to see highly qualified individuals — including researchers — selling dry fruits, vegetables, or working in restaurants to survive amid rising inflation and shrinking job opportunities.
At such a crossroads, reconnecting with our roots and rediscovering the rich legacy of our ancestors becomes more important than ever. Reviving and strengthening traditional crafts is not just a cultural exercise; it is an economic lifeline. By familiarizing our younger generations with the skills introduced and nurtured by Mir Syed Ali Hamadani (RA), we can empower them with the ability to build resilient futures while preserving Kashmir’s identity.
Initiatives like Know Your Artisan illuminate a hopeful path — one where heritage and livelihood go hand in hand, and where Kashmir’s golden-handed artisans receive the respect, opportunities, and recognition they truly deserve.
