Srinagar, August 10,2026-Jammu & Kashmir is celebrating the remarkable achievement of master weavers Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani from Kanihama, Budgam, who have been conferred the prestigious National Handloom Award for their outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional Kani weaving.
The duo received the prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi for their exquisite Chand-Daar Kani Shawl, a fine example of the intricate craftsmanship and heritage of Kashmir’s rare Kani weaving tradition.
The award carries a citation along with a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh, bringing national recognition to the rich handloom heritage of Jammu & Kashmir and the exceptional skills of its artisans.
The achievement is particularly significant as the award-winning Kani shawl was created using the traditional ‘Talim’ coded script, a unique system used by master weavers to decode intricate patterns and designs. The shawl is crafted by interlocking colourful threads row by row on a traditional handloom, requiring exceptional precision, patience and skill.
A single such masterpiece can take anywhere between six months and a year to complete, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship passed down through generations of Kashmiri weavers.
The recognition of Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani is a proud moment for Kanihama, Budgam, and the entire Jammu & Kashmir, placing the region’s centuries-old weaving heritage on the national stage.
Congratulations to the two master weavers for this prestigious achievement and for carrying Kashmir’s exquisite handloom legacy forward.