Kashmir City Receives World Craft City Certificate from World Crafts Council

In a grand ceremony held in Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmir City was awarded the prestigious Certificate of World Craft City by the World Crafts Council International. This significant event was graced by the presence of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Sa’ad Hani Al-Qaddumi, President of the World Crafts Council, and other notable personalities from the council. This recognition came after the World Crafts Council announced its decision in June 2024 to include Kashmir in its World Craft City list.

Kashmir: The Fourth Indian City to Achieve World Craft City Status

Kashmir has become the fourth Indian city to be honored with the World Craft City certificate by the World Crafts Council. This esteemed recognition places Kashmir alongside Jaipur in Rajasthan, Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, and Mysore in Karnataka. Jaipur and Mamallapuram received their titles in 2015, with Mamallapuram being specifically recognized for its stone carving craft. Mysore followed in 2018. This inclusion highlights the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of these Indian cities on a global platform.

Celebrating Kashmir’s Rich Craft Heritage

Kashmir, with its extensive history spanning over 4000 years, is renowned for its exquisite crafts that are deeply influenced by Iranian and Central Asian art and culture. The region is famous for a variety of crafts, including:

• Carpet Weaving: Known for its intricate designs and quality.
• Kani-Shawl: Famous for its fine wool and detailed patterns.
• Paper Maachie: Artistic creations made from paper pulp.
• Khatamband: Unique wooden ceiling designs.
• Wood Carving: Detailed and artistic woodwork.
• Kandikari Copperware: Exquisite copper utensils and artifacts.
• Tilla Work: Embroidery done with gold and silver threads.

UNESCO Recognition and Its Impact

In 2021, Kashmir was recognized as a UNESCO Creative City under the category of Crafts and Folk Art. This recognition has already contributed significantly to boosting the region’s handicraft sector. With the new designation as a World Craft City, further advancements are anticipated.

Boosting the Handicraft Sector

The World Craft City tag is expected to bring numerous benefits to Kashmir, including:

• Increased Global Recognition: The World Craft City tag will elevate the global profile of Kashmiri handicrafts, leading to higher demand.
• Enhanced Export Opportunities: Government figures indicate that the export of handicrafts from Kashmir has risen from Rs. 1,000 to 2,000 crores in the past five years. This trend is likely to continue upward with the new recognition.
• Tourism Boost: The tag will attract more tourists interested in traditional crafts, contributing to the region’s tourism sector.
• Artisan Income: Artisans will see an increase in income due to higher demand and better market access for their products.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: The recognition will support the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage by promoting and sustaining traditional crafts.

The World Crafts Council International

The World Crafts Council International was established in 1964 by Ms. Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Ms. Margaret Merwin Patch, and Ms. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in New York, USA. As a non-profit organization, it is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of global craftsmanship and traditional crafts. The council plays a pivotal role in recognizing and supporting cities and regions with rich craft traditions, ensuring that these cultural heritages are celebrated and sustained for future generations.