Kashmir’s handicrafts heritage earns recognition as GoI honors four artisans

Srinagar, Dec 09: Kashmir’s famed handicraft tradition received a significant national boost as four master artisans from the Valley were honoured with prestigious awards by the Government of India, recognising their exceptional contributions to traditional art forms.

The honours were presented on 9 December 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in a ceremony presided over by the President of India.

Khwaja Nazir Ali and Manzoor Ahmad Khan were bestowed with national awards in Sozni Shawl weaving and handmade carpets respectively, while Mashkoora Hameed and Mir Arshad received ‘certificate of excellence’ in Sozni Shawl and Paper Mache respectively.

The honours form part of the annual Shilp Guru Awards and National Awards—a prestigious initiative of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles—aimed at celebrating outstanding craftsmanship and preserving India’s timeless artisanal heritage.

Assistant Director of the Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC) Srinagar, Raja Rahail Rashid, said that 49 artisans from Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal had submitted entries this year.

"Among them, four artisans from Kashmir were shortlisted for national recognition, highlighting the Valley’s enduring mastery in Sozni embroidery, carpet weaving, and Papier-mâché,” he said.

The awards, he said, reaffirm the exceptional skill, dedication, and artistic legacy of Kashmiri artisans whose handcrafted works continue to be admired both nationally and globally.