Budgam, September 11, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Kashmir’s rich textile heritage, Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of Textiles, Government of India, virtually inaugurated the Handloom Craft Village in Kanihama, Budgam district, honoring the region’s centuries-old tradition of Kani shawl weaving. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Textiles, marks a significant step in preserving and promoting the cultural legacy and artistic craftsmanship of Kanihama’s skilled weavers, positioning the village as a global symbol of sustainable craft tourism.Nestled along the scenic Srinagar-Gulmarg highway, Kanihama has long been renowned as the heart of Kani shawl weaving, a meticulous craft that produces intricate Pashmina shawls celebrated for their elaborate motifs, including paisleys, flowers, and ornate borders. Declared a Handloom Village by the Government of India, Kanihama now boasts modern infrastructure, including a Common Facilitation Centre (CFC), macadamized roads, signage boards, work sheds, looms, and solar-powered inverters, designed to empower artisans and attract tourists. The CFC offers live demonstrations of the weaving process, allowing visitors to witness the artistry behind shawls that range in price from Rs 18,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on design complexity and raw materials.Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, in her inaugural address, lauded the weavers for their dedication to preserving a craft that embodies Kashmiri identity.
“Kanihama’s handloom legacy is a testament to the skill, culture, and resilience of its artisans. This Craft Tourism Village will not only safeguard this tradition but also provide economic opportunities by connecting weavers directly with global markets,” she said. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s vision to integrate craft preservation with tourism development, fostering sustainable livelihoods for over 500 artisans in Kanihama and surrounding areas.The Handloom Craft Village status builds on Kanihama’s historical significance, where the revival of Kani shawl weaving began in the 1960s under pioneers like Ghulam Mohammad Wani, known as “Kanihami Sahib.” His efforts, followed by the establishment of the Kanhama Kani Shawl Cooperative Society in 1994, revitalized traditional designs, including the iconic Josephine design favored by global elites. Today, the village produces approximately 700 shawls annually, with the younger generation blending modern technology with traditional techniques to reduce production time while maintaining quality.Local artisans expressed optimism about the initiative, noting its potential to boost direct sales and reduce reliance on middlemen.
“This recognition brings pride and opportunity. Tourists can now see our work firsthand and place orders directly, increasing our income,” said Faisal Ahmad Bhat, a Kani shawl weaver. However, some artisans voiced concerns about unfulfilled promises, urging the government to provide interest-free loans, better lighting systems, and more exhibition opportunities to sustain the craft’s future.The Handloom Craft Village is poised to elevate Kanihama’s global profile, with infrastructure developments like a cafeteria, library, and display center underway to enhance the tourist experience. The initiative has already drawn praise from figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who highlighted Kani shawls in his Mann Ki Baataddress for their cultural significance. By linking craftsmanship with tourism, Kanihama is set to become a beacon of Kashmiri heritage, ensuring that its weaving legacy thrives amidst modern challenges.
