Kashmir no doubt is heaven on earth but it is also a “HEAVEN OF HANDICRAFTS”. The Exquisite beauties of the products evolved by the tender figures of its beautiful people have been appreciated from royal palaces to ordinary homes of various parts of the country and abroad. The handicrafts of Kashmir were in a manner considered as an important part of its rich cultural heritage .The concept behind handicrafts as originally conceived was imbuing everything used in daily life no matter how common or mundane , with a touch of beauty to add brightness to an otherwise dull and drab existence. In Kashmir the concept of beauty is equated with Godhood. The decoration is a purposeful factor, not a superfluity or a status symbol.

Craft tradition in Kashmir dates back to much before the dawn of recorded history .Presently a fascinating spectrum that ranges from the Kashmiri shawls and Carpets to woodcraft and Paper Machie. Kashmir’s Handicraft reflect an internal inspiration from the elysian charms of the valley –Asia’s Show window of Art & Beauty.

Kashmir has excelled in the art of portraying the beautiful flora and fauna of the land through medium of colors and needle and its crafts men have been revered all over the world .In this machine age Handicrafts stand a symbol of flow of Creativity as compared to dull repetition .

Afifa