DOWNTOWN DIARIES | Diminishing art of traditional soap making in Shaher-e-Khaas

BY SHEREEN NAMAN

Srinagar: Abdul Rashid Lone, in his sixties, is one of the last persons from Shaher-e-Khaas here who makes traditional soap.

Rashid’s shop, Modern Kashmiri soap, is located at Fateh Kadal area and has been functioning for the last 55 years.

Rashid vividly remembers how he started to join his family business when he was 12-years old. “This is one of the oldest shops in Downtown where soap is made in a traditional way. People still buy our soap. Local artisans also use this soap for washing Kashmiri carpets and woolen rugs,” he said.

Rashid makes three types of soaps. “These are our bestsellers. One is used for making of namdah rug , other to prevent hair fall ,dandruff and itching. Another one, the ‘mandan soap, is used for washing clothes,” he added.

“Many tourists from all over the country are our customers. My shop is thronged by tourists who visit Downtown for a Craft safari walk,” Rashid said with a proud smile.

“If I strive to make pure soaps without any mixtures, God will help me in getting a good sale,” Rashid said.

He said that the raw soap block weighs one quintal. “We cut it into small size soaps, except the namdah artisans who require the entire block.”

“Despite all odds, I will continue to carry on my family business,” Rashid added.