CULTURE

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar has strongly opposed the proposed hike in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Kashmiri shawls from 12% to 28%. Akhtar warned that such a move would devastate Kashmir’s fragile economy and push thousands of artisans into financial distress. In a statement, Akhtar called the tax increase a "severe blow" to an already struggling sector. "This is an attempt to crush the artistic genius of Kashmir under the weight of excessive taxation," he said. He emphasized the historic significance of shawl making in the region, a craft meticulously preserved over centuries despite challenging circumstances. "Kashmiri shawl weavers, with their delicate fingers, create masterpieces admired globally. This proposed taxation i...

Two artisans in Srinagar have spent decades preserving the ancient Kashmiri craft of Rafugari, an intricate art of repairing high-end shawls, which is on the brink of extinction. Mushtaq Ahmed Jan (47) and Shabir Ahmed Makhdoomi (61), residents of Khawjapora, Nowshehra, have been practising this craft for 30 and 40 years, respectively. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mushtaq lamented that this painstaking art, which requires work from dawn to dusk, no longer appeals to the younger generation. “A single shawl can cost lakhs and is often passed down through generations, becoming a family treasure. If damaged, these heirlooms cannot simply be discarded. They are brought to us; we mend them and restore their beauty,” he said. Describing their meticulous pro...

The Jammu Kashmir government has proposed a uniform 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate for all state handicrafts, citing the labour-intensive nature of the industry. Currently, items like carpets are taxed at 5%, while shawls attract a 12% GST. Officials argue this disparity is unfair, as both products demand similar levels of craftsmanship. However, the industry faces a potential crisis due to a separate proposal to sharply increase GST rates on textiles, including Kashmiri shawls and carpets. The proposed structure, to be discussed at the GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer on December 21, suggests rates as high as 28% for textiles priced above ₹10,000. This has sparked concern among artisans, traders, and political leaders, who warn of devastating effects on the region's trad...

The Jammu Kashmir Government has sanctioned over ₹17 crore for the renovation and restoration of 17 temples and shrines in the districts of Anantnag and Pulwama, many of which sustained extensive damage during years of turmoil. The Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums recently granted administrative approval for these projects based on recommendations from the respective Deputy Commissioners of the two districts. In Anantnag district, significant allocations include ₹1.07 crore for the ancient Mamaleshwar Temple in Pahalgam, ₹1.60 crore for the Shiva Bhagwati Temple in Akingam, ₹77.67 lakh for the Gauri Shankar Temple in Pahalgam, and ₹92.95 lakh for the Papran Naag Shrine in Salia. The Mata Ragnya Bhagwati Shrine in Khiram will see renovations with an allocation of ₹...

The World Craft Council (WCC) announced its plan to introduce a "Seal of Authenticity" for handmade crafts in Jammu Kashmir, addressing the demand for globally recognized certification for the region's renowned craftsmanship. WCC President Saad Al-Qaddumi shared the initiative during the council's 60th jubilee celebration in Srinagar. Speaking at the event, Al-Qaddumi expressed pride in unveiling the new flagship program, emphasizing its potential to enhance quality assurance and ownership, particularly in the textile industry. He attributed the idea to discussions with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during his previous visit. The announcement coincided with the UT-Level Craft Awards ceremony, where artisans were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Al-Qaddumi also hi...

In the heart of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, 65-year-old Khizr Mohammed Dar has spent over five decades nurturing the delicate art of crafting traditional Kashmiri musical instruments. From the Rabab to the Santoor, Sarang, and Saitaar, Khazir’s hands have breathed life into instruments that echo the region’s rich musical legacy, Kashmir News Observer reported. Yet, despite growing demand, Khizr faces an uphill battle against a dwindling pool of artisans and waning interest from younger generations. Khizr’s journey began under the influence of his father, Mohammad Shaban Dar, a celebrated singer. "My father’s passion for music inspired me to delve into this craft," he shared. Starting as a self-taught artisan, Khizr honed his skills locally and eventually established a wo...

As Kashmir’s wedding season is at its peak, a group of young volunteers from Sopore has launched "Panun Wazwaan," a community initiative to assist underprivileged families by providing complimentary wedding feast arrangements across the Valley. Led by a team of five individuals, including Rafiq Mir, Irfan Shah, Faheem Khan, Abdul Rashid, and Yasir Dar, the group has over a decade of experience in catering and event organizing. Their goal is to ensure that families facing financial hardships can still host a traditional Kashmiri wedding celebration without the burden of high expenses. In an interview with Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Rafiq Mir, speaking on behalf of the team, said the idea came to him recently. “When I discussed it with my friends, they immediately supported the co...

The traditional crewel work on Gabba, one of the oldest and most cherished handicrafts of the Kashmir Valley, is facing the threat of extinction due to declining demand. Artisans who have dedicated decades to this craft shared with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the creation of Gabba—embroidered Kashmiri rugs—dates back to the late 16th century during the Mughal era. While crewel work has traditionally enhanced the appeal of Gabba and related items, such as cushions, demand has sharply decreased, they lamented. Syed Noorullah, a crewel artisan with 30 years of experience, lamented that many artisans are struggling to earn a livelihood from this craft. “As a result, many have shifted to other occupations, while a few continue out of passion rather than necessit...

In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, local Muslims in South Kashmir's Pulwama district came together to perform the last rites of a 70-year-old Kashmiri Pandit, Bhushan Lal Ganjoo, who passed away on Monday. Ganjoo, a retired teacher and a respected figure in Lajurah village, about five kilometers from Pulwama town, was well-known for his contributions to the community. With only a few family members present, his Muslim neighbors stepped in to organize and carry out his cremation, arranging wood and shouldering his coffin, treating him as one of their own. "We never saw him as just a Kashmiri Pandit. He was one of us," said Mohammad Abdullah, a local resident, highlighting the deep bond shared with Ganjoo. He noted that Ganjoo had taught thousands of students in the a...

The Kashmir valley has geared up for Eid Milad un Nabi, which is marked with reverence by both Shia and Sunni Muslims across the valley. Eyewitnesses told The Kashmiriyat that various markets and streets in Kashmir have been decorated by the residents for the annual festivity that falls on Tuesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of the final Prophet of Islam, Muhammad ﷺ. They said that shoppers have decorated their shops and the mosques, Khanqahs in the valley are wearing a festive look to commemorate Eid e Milad. People have hoisted Islamic flags atop their houses in the entire Anantnag district, Locals said. “The largest procession is taken out in our town and people make all sorts of arrangements from food to refreshments for the devotees who attend participate in the proc...