In a proud moment for Kashmir, Mir Arshad Hussain, a talented papier mache artist from Srinagar, has claimed first prize at the 9th International Fajr Festival of Handicrafts (Sarv-e-Simin) held in Tehran, Iran. The festival, which showcases the finest craftsmanship from around the world, saw thousands of artisans competing for the top honour. However, it was Hussain’s exquisite and intricately detailed papier mache piece that captivated the jury, earning him the coveted award. A Global Stage for Kashmiri Craftsmanship Hussain’s triumph not only highlights his individual brilliance but also shines a spotlight on Kashmir’s rich artistic legacy. Papier mache, known...
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Photo Essay: The Sweet Tradition of Nazir Ahmad Sheikh’s Phirni – A Ramadan Delight in Srinagar
As the sun sets over Srinagar, signaling the end of a long day of fasting during Ramadan, a familiar sight emerges in the bustling lanes of Aali Kadal. A crowd gathers, eager and expectant, around the humble cart of 73-year-old Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, a man renowned for his special Phirni—a creamy, fragrant dessert that has become an essential part of iftar for many. For over six decades, Nazir Ahmad Sheikh has been carrying forward a sweet legacy, one that he inherited from his father. With a lifetime dedicated to perfecting the craft, he continues to serve generations with the same...
Photo Essay: Turning Scraps into Masterpieces – Mudasir Rashid’s Journey with Wood Art
In a world where creativity meets sustainability, 22-year-old Mudasir Rashid from Khonmoh, Srinagar, is making waves with his unique art crafted from discarded wood. A mechanical engineer by education, Mudasir never received formal training in woodworking, yet his passion for transforming scraps into stunning handmade pieces has captured hearts across India. What started as an experiment soon turned into a thriving business when he launched his social media page, That Kashmiri Crafter. With overwhelming support online, his work found buyers nationwide, proving the power of digital platforms in shaping modern entrepreneurship. Mudasir’s process is deeply intuitive—each piece of scrap wood...
Photo Essay: The Story of India’s Pencil Giants and the Hidden ‘Pencil Village’ of Kashmir
We have all used Apsara and Nataraj pencils at some point in our lives. These two brands have been a staple in Indian stationery, filling pencil boxes across generations. But did you know that both brands come from the same company, Hindustan Pencils? The story of this company is one of vision, strategy, and an entire ecosystem built around the humble pencil. The Birth of Hindustan Pencils Hindustan Pencils was founded in 1958 by three friends who traveled to Germany to master the art of pencil-making. With their newfound knowledge, they devised a clever marketing strategy: to create two separate...
Photo Essay: The Legacy of Mehrajudin Beigh: Preserving Kashmir’s Chain Stitch Embroidery
In the heart of Srinagar, amidst the narrow lanes of Channapora, resides a master craftsman whose life has been dedicated to preserving one of Kashmir’s most intricate and cherished art forms—chain stitch embroidery. Mehrajudin Beigh, a 68-year-old artisan, has spent nearly five decades perfecting this craft, producing exquisite handmade pieces that have traveled far beyond the valley, even gracing the White House in the United States. Born in Nawab Bazar, Shehr-e-Khaas, Beigh’s journey into the world of chain stitch embroidery was not a familial legacy but a passion that grew from his surroundings. As a young boy, he was captivated...
Photo Essay: Sabreena Aaliya – The Quilling Artist Crafting a Niche in Kashmir’s Art Scene
In the heart of Srinagar, where traditional crafts like papier-mâché and Pashmina weaving thrive, a young artist is carving out a unique space in the world of handmade art. Sabreena Aaliya, a 28-year-old from Soura, has transformed her childhood love for art into a full-fledged career in quilling—an intricate paper craft that is still relatively uncommon in Kashmir. From Hobby to Passion Sabreena’s artistic journey began with a deep fascination for drawing and handmade crafts. However, it was only after completing her Master’s degree in Arabic that she stumbled upon quilling, a technique that involves rolling, looping, and shaping thin...
Photo Essay: The Dying Art of Rafugari: Preserving Kashmir’s Heirloom Shawls
Mushtaq Ahmad Jan (47) and Shabir Ahmad Makhdoomi (61) from Khawjapora, Srinagar, are among the last few master artisans practicing the intricate and time-honored craft of Rafugari, the art of repairing and restoring pashmina shawls. This traditional skill is essential for the preservation of heirloom shawls, which are not just expensive but also carry deep sentimental and historical value. These shawls, often passed down through generations, cannot be discarded when damaged—making Rafugari a crucial practice. The process of Rafugari requires extraordinary precision. A skilled Rafugar carefully examines the fabric’s weave, texture, and color variations before meticulously repairing it with hand-spun...
Photo Essay: Preserving the Dying Art of Kangri-Making
Ali Mohammad Dar, a master Kangri-maker from Charar-e-Sharief in Budgam District, has dedicated over 50 years to crafting these traditional Kashmiri fire pots. In recognition of his craftsmanship, he was awarded the Best Kangri-Maker Award in 2022. His expertise lies in creating Charar Kangris, renowned for their unique design and cultural significance. The Craft of Charar Kangri: Kangri-making is a tradition deeply rooted in Kashmir’s cultural heritage, passed down through generations. Among the various types, the Charar Kangri stands out due to its intricate craftsmanship and the use of Poshe Kani (decorative wool), which sets it apart from other varieties....
Photo Essay: Craftsman of Kashmiri traditional Musical Instruments
Khazir Mohammad Dar, 65, is a craftsman from Narbal, Budgam District. He has been working tirelessly to keep alive the craft of making Kashmiri musical instruments such as the Rabab, Santoor, Sarang and the the Saitaar. Usually played by folk artists, the Kashmiri Sitar has a long body and 7 strings, and it is smaller in size than other Indian sitars. Khazir was introduced to the world of music by his father, Mohammad Shaban Dar, who was a renowned singer. Its been fifty years now since he learnt the art of making these instruments and established his own workshop. He...
Photo Essay: Kashmiri Designer and Tracer
Mushtaq Ahmad Bamboo, 65, of Bairi Pora Nawa Kadal, Srinagar is a noted tracer (Chappan Gour) and designer (Naqash). He has been practicing this art since last 40 years. He completed his diploma in tracing and designing in 1984 and modernized the craft by introducing patterns other than the popular floral patterns. Mushtaq has had people from Mumbai and Delhi come to him to learn the art of designing and tracing from him, however, this is a dwindling art in the Valley where almost every household in Kawdara (near Nalahmar Road) used to be involved in this art. ...
Photo Essay: Kashmiri Gaba Crewel work
The traditional crewel work on Gaba, one of the oldest and most cherished handicrafts of the Kashmir Valley, is facing the threat of extinction due to declining demand. Syed Noorullah, a crewel artisan with 30 years of experience, has been adorning the Gaba with exquisite crewel embroidery work. However, many artisans, like him, are struggling to earn a livelihood from this craft. Gaba was once a vital source of warmth during the harsh winters, accessible to both the wealthy and the poor due to its affordability. There has been a decline in demand for Gaba due to the dominance of...
Photo Essay: Kashmiri handmade Zari work
After less than a decade in Zari work, 26-year-old, Afroza Jan, from Kashmir’s Ganderbal district claims to be the only female Zari work artist from her village. She primarily works with metallic threads like copper and some alloys. Jan, who learnt the Zari work in 2015 from one of her relatives, was recently conferred with an award by LG J&K for her craftwork. Afroza now wants to open a her own unit where she can teach the art to the girls of her village to make them independent. Zari is an even thread traditionally made of fine gold or silver used...