Handicrafts of Kashmir have world fame due to their uniqueness. Kashmir is known for handwoven carpets, shawls, stitch work and embroidery.
After the Covid-19 lockdown last year, many were left unemployed. Young people, mostly girls, turned to handicrafts as a source of income. Kashmiri handicrafts are in good demand in domestic and international markets. Hence, this makes a viable means to earn some money.
Haji Mohammed Hussain, a handicraft dealer in Pahalgam tourist resort told India Today that most of the tourists visiting the area purchase different Kashmiri handicrafts like shawls, embroidered coats, pheran and embroidered curtains.
Naseema, another artisan, embroiders curtains in Kashmir’s Anantnag with 6 other girls. They have set up a small cottage industry and work according to the orders that they receive from dealers in Srinagar. Naseema told India Today that they enjoy their work as it is an independent job and they earn handsomely.
With each passing day, more and more unemployed youths are learning different traditional crafts in different parts of Kashmir so that even they can use their skills to make a living.
