Kashmir has long been celebrated globally for its rich tradition of handicrafts. Yet, this heritage is now under threat. The decline in raw material availability, a shortage of skilled artisans, the influx of machine-made carpets, and poor marketing strategies have pushed many traditional crafts to the brink of extinction.

One such endangered art is Namda Sazi—a centuries-old craft of making felted wool rugs, known for their intricate embroidery and cultural significance. Despite the odds, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a master artisan from Monghama village in Pulwama, has remained devoted to this craft for over 50 years.

“I feel proud to be preserving this art that represents our identity,” says Ghulam Mohammad, as he continues to handcraft Namdas using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

In a glimmer of hope, Namda Sazi was recently awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, one of eight Kashmiri crafts to receive this prestigious recognition. The GI tag acknowledges the unique cultural and regional value of the craft, offering potential protection and opportunities for revival.

As artisans like Ghulam Mohammad keep the flame burning, there is renewed urgency to support, promote, and safeguard Kashmir’s timeless artistic legacy before it fades away.

This story is by Basharat Amin, a Community, Content Creator from Shopian, Kashmir. Learn more about Basharat and see other videos of his/hers here. www.videovolunteers.org and www.kashmirunheard.org

#kashmir #craft #namda

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