Jammu, March 14,2026- Around 1,500 women in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir are finding new avenues of self-employment and financial independence through Self Help Groups . These women are actively engaged in producing handmade products, cultural artwork, cow-dung cakes, deity clothing, and traditional textile crafts, helping preserve heritage while strengthening rural livelihoods.
Members of the SHGs are also reviving traditional art forms such as block printing and calico printing, crafts that have deep cultural roots in the region. One of the SHG members said that the block printing initiative initially started in Samba district and has now expanded to Jammu as well.
“This is block printing. Initially, it started in Samba, and now it’s also running in Jammu. We are working here and training others as well. I have even received a state award in block printing for this work,” she said.
Another member highlighted that their collective brand, “Samba Sakhi,” focuses on reviving the traditional calico printing craft that has been practiced in Samba for many years.
“Our brand is called ‘Samba Sakhi,’ and we are working on reviving calico printing. It is a heritage craft of Samba district. I feel extremely happy when my students receive awards and recognition for their work,” she added.
The initiative has also attracted the attention of visitors and buyers who are impressed by the revival of such traditional art in Jammu. One purchaser shared that witnessing block printing in Jammu was a unique experience.
“I saw block printing with my own eyes for the first time in Jammu. Usually, we see it in places like Jaipur, where it is very common. Seeing it here is special. My message to the youth is to read about your history and culture, learn from it, and then move forward,” the buyer said.
SHG members said that about 1,500 women are currently associated with the initiative, many of whom work from their homes with dedication and care. The craft requires patience and precision, and several women often continue their work even late at night to complete intricate designs.
Apart from textiles and crafts, the groups are also preparing traditional ritual materials ahead of the upcoming Navratri festival. These include havan materials made using cow-dung cakes, which hold cultural and religious significance in many households.
According to the SHG members, cow dung has traditionally been used in rituals as it is believed to maintain purity and keep away insects and pests. The preparation of such materials not only preserves traditional practices but also provides an additional source of income for women.
Officials and community members believe that such initiatives are playing a crucial role in empowering women, promoting entrepreneurship, and preserving the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. By combining traditional skills with organized self-help groups, these women are contributing significantly to both local economies and cultural revival.
