Kani shawl artisans awarded national recognition have brought fresh attention to Jammu and Kashmir’s celebrated weaving heritage. Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani were honoured for their Kani craft, highlighting the skill, cultural value and future potential of the region’s handloom sector.
Handloom Recognition Celebrates Kashmir Weavers
Jammu and Kashmir artisans Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani have received the National Handloom Award for their craftsmanship in weaving the traditional Kani Shawl. Their achievement places one of Kashmir’s most distinctive textile traditions in the national spotlight and recognises the precision and dedication required to preserve the centuries-old weaving technique.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 during the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi. A total of 22 honours were presented, comprising three Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards.
The awards recognise excellence in craftsmanship, innovation, design development and other areas that contribute to strengthening India’s handloom ecosystem. The National Handloom Award specifically honours weavers and stakeholders who combine traditional skills with quality, creativity and modern techniques.
Kani Craft Earns National Spotlight
The recognition of Hajam and Wani is particularly significant because of the cultural importance of Kani craft in Kashmir. Their award-winning work on the Chanddar Kani Shawl reflects the detailed weaving traditions that have made Kashmiri textiles renowned for intricate patterns, craftsmanship and artistic character.
Such recognition also helps traditional crafts gain visibility beyond regional markets. National exposure can support greater awareness among customers, designers and businesses while encouraging younger artisans to see traditional weaving as a viable skill and profession.
Omar Congratulates Award-Winning Artisans
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani on their achievement, describing the national recognition as a proud moment for the Union Territory. He praised their craftsmanship and said the honour celebrates the artistic excellence and enduring legacy of Jammu and Kashmir’s handloom traditions.
Abdullah also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting local artisans, protecting traditional skills and helping indigenous products reach wider national and international markets.
J&K Craft Heritage Gains Wider Recognition
Kashmir’s handloom industry represents more than commercial production. Traditional weaving carries generations of knowledge, regional identity and artistic techniques that depend heavily on skilled artisans. Awards such as these can help keep that heritage visible at a time when handmade products compete with faster and cheaper machine-made alternatives.
President Murmu also highlighted the wider role of handloom in employment, women’s empowerment, culture and self-reliance. She stressed that technology, digital platforms and e-commerce can help Indian handloom products reach larger global markets while preserving their traditional identity.
Artisan Boost Through Innovation and New Markets
The recognition of Hajam and Wani could encourage other weaving communities in Jammu and Kashmir to preserve traditional craftsmanship while exploring contemporary design, branding and digital market opportunities. For artisans, preservation alone is not enough; sustainable demand and better market access are equally important.
By combining Kani weaving traditions with improved visibility, modern marketing and stronger market connections, Jammu and Kashmir’s artisans can protect a valuable cultural legacy while building new commercial opportunities. The national honour therefore represents both recognition of past mastery and an opportunity to strengthen the future of Kashmir’s handloom sector.
