Maheen Bashir
The World images Kashmir as an abode of red apples and fine handicrafts, one of main local occupations in the valley, an inherent part of Kashmir, since ages- Pashmina, has been one of the most dominant part of the Kashmir handicrafts, having often become a part of television advertisements and movies.
The word “Pashmina” came from a Persian word called Pashm. It is locally known as Pashmina. While in US and other countries it is recognized as cashmere wool, which refers to the underneath flee of the Himalayan mountain goat, as chyangra (Capra Hircus) lives in the excessive altitude of 12,000 ft in the Himalayan area of Nepal where the temperature drops beneath -40. One Pashm goat yields 3 to 8 ounces for fiber a year. It also comes from the naturally shedding hair of particular goat found in Ladakh.
In the early ages, Pashmina was a regal image and was known as “Fiber of kings”. At the point when Mughal realm fell these weavers got jobless. Later on in the 19th century, Pashmina turned into a fever in France after Napoleon introduced an intriguing cloak to Empress Josephine.
Unfortunately, today the specialty of making unadulterated and bona fide Pashmina is evaporating because of the power hand looms. There is a lot of competition in the international market and the interest for the texture. Therefore, more and more people are turning to power handlooms as it is cheaper and faster. It can produce 15 shawls per day while the hand loom can barely produce two. Hence, it lessens the labor and the quantity of hand looms in the valley is on decay.
Pashmina is prestigious in the world over for its exceptional quality from the yarn to the show. Each fibre is connected with the pride and each structure made with the elegance. The threads not just tie the piece of clothing together they secure our custom and inheritance.
There are two principle assortments of Pashmina accessible Kashmir/Ladakh Pashmina and Pashmina from Nepal. The main distinction between two is that Pashmina from Nepal is slightly warmer than Kashmiri Pashmina.
Pashmina shawls are the best quality shawls crafted from the exceptionally fine silk like fiber. It can be identified by the warmth and the softness of the texture. Pashmina has a natural cream for colour. In 1990’s the beauty of Pashmina touched the sky heights and to date it hasn’t lost its appeal.
The status of Pashmina has been extravagant over the past years. Pure Pashmina can be a bit heavy however, it merits each penny you pay. These shawls have a wide scope shading palettes and structuring. Pashmina is unquestionable requirement for your winter closet. It is evergreen proclamation adornment that looks great on everybody.
Today’s fashion enthusiasts consider it as essential clothing in their wardrobe. This wool has a thousand years of records of being woven into shawls, and blankets, and praised for its terrific softness, lengthy life warmth and beauty.