In a heartening development, Kanihama village in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district has been declared a Craft Tourism village by the Government of India. This recognition has brought numerous benefits to the local artisans, who are now receiving direct orders from tourists visiting the village.
Situated on the Srinagar-Gulmarg highway, Kanihama has a rich history of Kani Shawl weaving, which has been revived thanks to the efforts of the artisans and the government. The village has been transformed into a thriving craft tourism destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.
The artisans of Kanihama village and surrounding areas are renowned for their exquisite Kani shawl work, which has been passed down through generations. The government’s initiative has provided them with modern infrastructure, including work sheds, looms, and solar-powered inverters. The roads have been macadamized, and portable drinking water facilities have been installed in every household.
The Common Facilitation Centre (CFC) in the village offers live demonstrations of Kani shawl making, showcasing the artisans’ skills and the rich history of the craft. Tourists can witness the entire process, from designing to weaving, and even place orders directly with the artisans.
The prices of the Kani shawls range from Rs 18,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the complexity of the design, raw materials, and workmanship. The high-quality raw materials used in the village have made KanihamaKani shawls highly sought after in international markets.
The younger generation has also taken a keen interest in this traditional craft, combining modern technology with traditional techniques to reduce the production time from three months to just three days. With over 500 artisans in the village and surrounding areas, this initiative has provided a significant source of income for the locals.
Faisal Ahmad Bhat, a Kani shawl artisan, expressed his gratitude for the government’s support, stating that the craft tourism village has greatly benefited the artisans. “Tourists visit our village, and we receive direct orders from them, which has increased our income significantly.”
An official from Handicraft and Handloom department Budgam said that the infrastructure in Kanihama village, including macadamized roads, signage boards, and a common facilitation center has been developed after Kanihama has been declared craft tourism village by the Government of India. The artisans have been provided with looms, solar lights, and work sheds to support their craft.
Kanihama village has emerged as a shining example of how craft tourism can benefit both artisans and tourists alike. This initiative has not only preserved the traditional craft of Kani shawl weaving but has also provided a sustainable source of income for the local community.
