Eight More Kashmir Crafts Earn GI Tag: New Hope for local Artisans

In recognition of Kashmiri craftsmanship, eight additional traditional products have been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certification by the GI Registry in Chennai, acknowledging their unique origin and heritage. This reinforces the cultural identity and opens new economic pathways for thousands of local artisans.

A spokesman of handicrafts and handloom department said on Thursday: "GI registration provides legal protection against counterfeit products, prevents unauthorized use, boosts exports, and promotes economic prosperity for producers of goods associated with a specific geographical territory.”

The newly recognized crafts include Kashmir Namda, Gabba, Willow Bat, Tweed, Crewel, Chain Stitch, Shikara, and Waguv — each rooted deeply in the everyday and the extraordinary of Kashmiri life. “The registration, followed by GI labelling, will also help prevent unauthorised use, ensuring consumers get access to genuine products”, he added.

Namda & Gabba

These are the two types of handcrafted rugs known for their utility and artistry. In the harsh winters lies the warmth of Namda and Gabba

Namda rugs, made using an ancient felting technique, are non-woven and primarily crafted from sheep wool. Layers of wool are matted using moisture, soap, and mechanical pressure, then rolled and pressed by hand — a process that can take hours. The result is a sturdy yet soft rug.

Gabba, on the other hand, is a patchwork marvel. Old woollen blankets, dyed in vibrant vegetable colors, are stitched together and adorned with intricate crewel embroidery. With their geometric and floral motifs, Gabbas are not just functional but expressive pieces of folk art.

Chain Stitch and Crewel Embroidery

Chain stitch or Jalakdozi, done with a hook called Aurah, is known for its continuous looped style and use of vivid wool or silk threads. Often worked on hessian cloth, these rugs and wall hangings stand out for their vibrant detailing and durability.

Crewel embroidery — introduced through the Silk Route and patronized by the Mughals — involves dense, woollen yarns stitched into ornate patterns on thick cotton or jute. With its roots tracing back to Damascus and also central asia, came here via trade through silk route this artform flourished in Kashmir and became emblematic of its textile identity.

Shikara: Floating Legacy

Shikaras are the visual and emotional symbols of Kashmir’s lakes. Made from deodar wood and shaped like spade-bottomed boats, these 15-foot paddled taxis are now GI-protected — preserving their craftsmanship and ensuring tourism remains linked with tradition. Shikaras shine in the lakes with their brightly painted wooden frames and colorful canopies.

Waguv: The Grass Mat

The humble Waguv — a soft, spongy mat made of Typha Angustifolia reeds — once adorned every Kashmiri home. Its creation is a household tradition: men harvest the grass, and women dry, braid, and weave it into mats. Durable and eco-friendly, Waguv not only connects people to the earth but also promotes health and sustainability. It is still among the basic livelihoods of many families in villages.

Willow Bats

Kashmir’s cricket willow bats, made from the native Salix alba species (known locally as Veer), are a booming industry worth ₹700 crore, supporting over 10,000 livelihoods. Unlike their English counterparts, Kashmiri willows are known for their toughness and resilience — qualities shaped by the unique climate and soil conditions of the Valley. The GI tag is expected to give these bats a stronger identity in global cricket markets.

Kashmir Tweed: The Forgotten Outerwear

A handloom-woven worsted wool fabric, Kashmir Tweed is traditionally used for warm overcoats. Heavier than shawls and dyed in bright colors, the tweed industry once flourished in Pulwama, Bandipora, and Budgam. The GI tag revives hopes of bringing this craft back into mainstream fashion.

Prior to this, seven crafts — Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni, Paper-Machie, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand-Knotted Carpets — had already received GI certification. The latest additions take the tally to 15, reinforcing the Valley’s position as a hub of indigenous craftsmanship.

Moreover, According to the Handicrafts Department, the focus will now shift to six more crafts for GI registration, including Copperware (Kandkari), Silverware, Houseboats, Tapestry, Kashmir Tilla, and Aari-Stapple Embroidery. These efforts aim to revive fading crafts, boost artisan incomes, and place Kashmir’s cultural legacy firmly on the global map.