Srinagar, July 28 — As modern homes fill with factory-made décor and imported furnishings, a quiet appeal echoes from the valleys of Kashmir — a reminder not to forget the hands that craft heritage.
From intricate papier-mâché artefacts, hand-carved walnut wood pieces, to delicately woven willow wicker baskets, Kashmir’s artisans pour soul, history, and culture into every creation. Yet, despite their unmatched craftsmanship, many artisans struggle to find space in the very homes they help beautify.
“When you decorate your home, don’t be partisan to your artisan,” says Shabir Ahmad, a third-generation papier-mâché artist from Srinagar. “Sometimes all we ask for is one corner of your room. One place to keep our story alive.”
In an age of minimalism and fast interiors, this call is both timely and timeless. A single handcrafted item — be it a papier-mâché vase, a willow basket from Ganderbal, or a walnut wood carving from Budgam — brings more than beauty. It brings livelihood, legacy, and love.
The handicrafts sector in Jammu and Kashmir has long been the heartbeat of the region’s economy and identity. However, with changing consumer trends and mass-produced alternatives, traditional crafts are facing existential challenges.
Government initiatives like GI tagging of Kashmiri crafts, online marketing platforms, and artisan training centres are helping, but real change begins with the consumer.
“We don’t just make art — we pass on generations of knowledge,” says Mehbooba Jan, a willow weaver. “Buying even one item supports not just us, but the culture of Kashmir.”
So the next time you’re furnishing your living space, remember: what is crafted by hands must be cherished by heart. Because heritage isn’t just something you visit — it’s something you live with.
