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...
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...
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...
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...
Naqashi on Kashmir’s silverware dates back to the Mughal period. Mushtaq Ahmad Sodagar, 42, of Guzarbal in Ganderbal, has been a silver designer (naqash) for over two decades. However, due to dwindling demand he only designs on request and has moved over to copper designing which is more popular and gets him a steady income....
A husband-and-wife duo from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have dedicated their lives to preserving the centuries-old art of Kani Shawl weaving. Based in Agri Kalan, Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Ganie and Jabeen Banoo have been involved in the intricate craft of Kani weaving since decades, and are now training others in the community. Together, they are...
Abdul Rashid Rather, a well known acrylic painting artist from Srinagar’s Bohri Kadal, has been associated with the art since the last 35 years despite the current demand for the art being very low. Rather said that the Acrylic painting was once a popular medium due to its vibrant colours and versatility, however, it is...
