In a major recognition of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich handloom heritage, two artisans from Kanihama village of Budgam district have been selected for the prestigious National Handloom Award 2025 for their exceptional craftsmanship in the traditional Chanddar Kani Shawl.
The awardees, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, residents of Kanihama in Magam tehsil, will receive the honour from President Droupadi Murmu during the National Handloom Day celebrations scheduled to be held in New Delhi on August 7.
Known globally for its centuries-old Kani shawl weaving tradition, Kanihama village has produced generations of skilled artisans who have kept the intricate art of handloom weaving alive. The recognition of Hajam and Wani highlights the continued excellence of Kashmiri craftsmen in preserving and promoting one of India’s most celebrated textile traditions.
Both artisans have been honoured in the weaving category for their remarkable work on the Chanddar Kani Shawl, a masterpiece of Kashmiri craftsmanship known for its detailed patterns, precision weaving and cultural value.
The Ministry of Textiles on Tuesday announced the recipients of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025. A total of 22 individuals and organisations from across the country have been selected, including three Sant Kabir Handloom Award winners and 19 National Handloom Award recipients.
The awards recognise outstanding contributions in areas such as traditional weaving, innovative designs, product development, marketing, start-up initiatives and efforts by producer companies involved in strengthening the handloom sector.
Introduced under the Handloom Marketing Assistance component of the National Handloom Development Programme, the National Handloom Awards are among the highest honours given to those associated with India’s handloom industry. The awards acknowledge exceptional skill, creativity, quality and innovation while encouraging artisans to preserve traditional techniques.
Each National Handloom Award recipient will be presented with a Tamrapatra, a shawl and a certificate in recognition of their contribution.
The upcoming National Handloom Day programme will witness the participation of Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, senior officials, master weavers, designers, exporters, artisans and other stakeholders from the handloom sector.
The honour bestowed upon the two Kashmiri artisans is expected to further strengthen the global reputation of the Kani shawl and bring renewed attention to the craftsmanship of the weavers who continue to safeguard Kashmir’s centuries-old textile heritage.
