ABOUT
Breathing in art, as colourful and rich as its blooming valleys. Srinagar is filled with artistic expressions that can warm you up like its soft and soulful Pashmina shawls, inspire a change in you through its satirical stories of Bandh Patha, fill your life with colours like the vibrant embroidered threads of Kani Shawls or uplift your days through the melodies of Chakri. There’s so much to explore in Srinagar, dive and explore the depths of its expressions!
EXPLORE ARTFORMS
- CRAFTS
- TEXTILES
- THEATRE
- MUSIC
Papier-mâché
What can you do with paper? Write on it, make a paper plane? Srinagar does so much more! Papier-mâché is a time-honoured Kashmiri art form that involves molding decorative objects from paper pulp. Highly skilled artisans painstakingly create magnificent pieces such as bowls, vases, boxes, and ornaments, which are then adorned with intricate motifs and vibrant hues. This traditional craft is a testament to the artistic finesse of the region's artisans, passed down from generation to generation.
Wood carving
In Srinagar, wood carving is a distinguished form of art that showcases the exceptional skill and artistry of Kashmiri artisans. In Srinagar, walnut wood carving is a distinguished form of art that showcases the exceptional skill and artistry of Kashmiri artisans. By intricately carving designs into wood, craftsmen create beautiful pieces of furniture, decorative items, and architectural elements. This traditional art form has stood the test of time, passed down from one artisan to another, making it a true representation of Kashmiri heritage.
Places to find it in Srinagar:
Those interested in buying these exquisite wooden crafts can visit the Zaina Kadal Market in Srinagar.
Pashmina shawls or Cashmere Shawls
The history of Pashmina dates back to ancient times, with mentions in the epic Mahabharata, where it was highly valued by emperors and nobles. The art of crafting exquisite clothing from Pashmina wool is believed to be as old as 3000 BC and has been cherished by royalty for centuries. Hence, Pashmina shawls are a coveted Kashmiri art form that has become synonymous with luxury and elegance. These shawls are made from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat, found in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. The wool is handspun, handwoven, and often hand-embroidered, showcasing the exceptional skills of the local artisans and hence, is famously known to be the softest wool of the world. The intricate designs and soft texture of Pashmina shawls have been admired for centuries and have graced the homes of kings and queens. With legends abound of Pashmina shawls adorning the homes of notable figures such as Napoleon and Marie Antoinette. Owning a Pashmina shawl is not only a symbol of prestige but also a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of Kashmir's rich cultural heritage.
Places to find it in Srinagar:
A great place to buy Pashmina shawls in Srinagar is the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium.
Kani shawls
Kani shawls are a unique and exquisite form of textile art from Srinagar, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. These shawls are created using a special weaving technique where individual wooden sticks, called "kani," are used to craft intricate patterns and designs. The shawls are highly valued for their fine craftsmanship, making them a symbol of luxury
Places to find it in Srinagar:
Travellers can purchase these exceptional Kani shawls from the government-run Handicrafts Emporium in Srinagar.
Carpet weaving
The art of hand-knotted silk and wool carpet weaving is a well-established tradition in Srinagar, known for its intricate designs and high-quality materials. Often made of silk and the finest wools, these carpets usually take 8-10 months to complete. Skilled artisans create beautiful and elaborate patterns inspired by Persian and Mughal designs, making it a true representation of the region's cultural heritage.
Places to find it in Srinagar:
Those interested in purchasing these beautiful carpets can visit the Carpet Center in Srinagar.
Crewel embroidery
Crewel embroidery is a traditional Kashmiri art form that showcases the incredible skill and artistry of local artisans. This embroidery technique involves using a hooked needle to create intricate, raised patterns on fabric, typically wool or cotton. These embroidered pieces are used to create stunning shawls, cushion covers, bedspreads, and other home furnishings.
Places to find it in Srinagar:
Those interested in buying crewel embroidered items can visit the government-run Women's Craft Center in Srinagar
Music of Kashmir
The music of Kashmir is a rich and diverse blend of various cultural influences. Sofians musiqui, which came to Kashmir from Iran in the 15th century, has established itself as the classical music form of Kashmir.
Chakri
The melodious strains of Chakri music weave a tapestry of enchantment that has captivated the hearts of people in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir for centuries. This folk music genre is steeped in tradition and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The harmonious blend of the harmonium, tabla, and sarangi creates an otherworldly atmosphere that transports listeners to a place of pure magic. Chakri music is often accompanied by captivating dance performances that bring the soul of Srinagar to life.
Famous Musicians
Chakri music has been performed by many popular musicians in Srinagar, including Ustad Ghulam Mohd. Saznawaz, Ustad Abdullah, and Gulzar Ganie. These musicians have played an instrumental role in preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of Srinagar.
Institutes to learn this art from:
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages is a government institute that offers courses in traditional music and dance forms of the region, including Chakri music. The institute plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region and has been instrumental in training many young musicians and performers in Srinagar.