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The silent struggles of Kashmir’s Duun

Six months of work, six months of hunger
11:27 PM Jan 24, 2025 IST | Shireen Naman
the silent struggles of kashmir’s duun
Representational image
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In the mist-laden valleys of Kashmir, where tradition flows like the Jhelum, an ancient rhythm hums quietly in forgotten corners. It’s the sound of the Duun, the cotton carders, whose work has cradled generations in warmth and comfort. Their wooden tools beat in harmony with time, teasing life into cotton, yet their lives unravel in silence—six months of toil followed by six months of hunger.

Once an inseparable part of Kashmir’s cultural fabric, the Duun have long been the custodians of a craft that turns raw cotton into soft, fluffy dreams. Their presence in neighborhoods, carding cotton under the open sky, was once a symbol of domestic preparation, especially as the cold winter set in. But today, this tradition fights for survival in the shadow of modernity.

The Duun, with their gentle songs and seasoned hands, now live a life of uncertainty. Their labor, vital during winters, fades with the summer sun, leaving them stranded for months without work. As synthetic materials and factory-made bedding dominate the market, the humble Duun find themselves pushed further to the margins. “We are left with nothing but struggle,” shares Ghulam Nabi, a seasoned Duun from Anantnag.

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For generations, their craft was not just a livelihood but a legacy, passed down from parent to child. Today, however, the younger generation hesitates to carry it forward, witnessing firsthand the financial instability it brings. Rising costs of raw cotton, declining demand, and lack of institutional support have woven a web of challenges for the Duun, leaving them with few options for survival.

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While Kashmir prides itself on preserving its heritage, the Duun and their craft remain ignored. Unlike other traditional trades such as pashmina weaving or papier-mâché, cotton carding has yet to find its place in revival efforts. The songs of the Duun, once synonymous with Kashmir’s winters, are now whispers on the wind, fading into obscurity.

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To save this craft from extinction, there is a pressing need for recognition and support. Subsidies on raw materials, skill-development programs, and the promotion of hand-carded cotton in local and international markets could breathe new life into this tradition.

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The Duun of Kashmir are not just cotton carders; they are storytellers of a bygone era, custodians of a craft that holds the warmth of Kashmiri homes. If their struggles remain unheard, this ancient rhythm will vanish, leaving the valley’s cultural tapestry a little emptier and a little colder.

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