Papier mâché is one of Kashmir’s most cherished and enduring handicrafts, practiced for centuries and admired by locals and visitors alike. Introduced to the Valley around the 14th century by Persian artisans during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (Budshah), the craft flourished under royal patronage and became an integral part of Kashmiri culture. The art...
In the bustling lanes of Srinagar, Saiqa Rashid, an Assistant Engineer at the Power Development Department (PDD), is quietly crafting a world of colour, calligraphy, and meaning. What began as a childhood fascination with mehndi designs and art competitions has evolved into a profound journey of self-expression and spiritual creativity. Though her artistic pursuits paused...
The centuries-old art of Meenakari — the intricate enamelwork on gold, silver, and copper — is taking its last breaths in Kashmir. Once a symbol of the Valley’s refined craftsmanship, the tradition now teeters on the brink of extinction, with only a handful of artisans left to keep it alive. Among them is Nazir Ahmad...
Abdul Majeed Zargar, a 75-year-old artisan from Amda Kadal Jogiwan in Srinagar, is known as Kashmir’s last surviving maker of the traditional “Mukh” — a shuttle boat essential for handloom weaving. For decades, he has hand-crafted these wooden tools, which play a crucial role in the production of Pashmina and Tusha textiles. The Mukh is...
Tahir Ahmad Kalwal, 56, hails from Onta Bhawan Soura in Srinagar. Forced to leave the valley during the peak of insurgency in the 1990s, he relocated to Delhi in search of safety and livelihood. It was there, far from home, that he was introduced to the delicate and demanding art of fur-work. Intrigued and determined,...
Meet Mohammed Yousaf Muran, Kashmir’s Deaf-Mute Wood Carving Maestro Mohammed Yousaf Muran, a 67-year-old artist from the Eidgah area of Srinagar, has spent decades defying limitations imposed by a world that often overlooks the differently-abled. Deaf and mute since birth, Muran has transformed his physical challenges into a wellspring of creative expression, carving exquisite sculptures...
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...
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...
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...
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...
