Fayaz Ahmad Wani and Manzoor Ahmad Hajam received the National Handloom Award for preserving Kashmir’s celebrated Chand-Daar Kani Shawl tradition.
Recognition for Kashmir’s Craftsmanship
Two artisans from Kanihama village in Budgam district have brought national recognition to Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old handloom heritage. Fayaz Ahmad Wani and Manzoor Ahmad Hajam received the prestigious National Handloom Award 2025 for their exceptional work in weaving the traditional Chand-Daar Kani Shawl.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the award to the duo at a ceremony held in New Delhi on 7 August during the National Handloom Day celebrations. Their recognition has placed the Kani shawl tradition at the centre of national attention and highlighted the skill of the artisans who continue to protect Kashmir’s rich textile legacy.
The award honoured the artisans in the weaving category for their joint entry, the Chand-Daar Kani Shawl. The work reflects the precision, patience and artistic discipline that define Kani weaving, one of Kashmir’s most distinctive craft traditions.
A Proud Moment for Kanihama
Kanihama, located in the Magam area of Budgam, has earned a reputation as a significant centre of Kani shawl weaving. Generations of artisans in the village have passed down the craft through families, apprenticeships and hands-on training.
Fayaz Ahmad Wani, an experienced Kani artisan, has contributed to the continuation of this tradition by training younger weavers. Manzoor Ahmad Hajam, identified as his student, represents a new generation of artisans carrying the craft forward. Their joint achievement demonstrates how traditional knowledge can survive when master craftspeople share their skills with committed learners.
The honour also brought pride to the local community. Officials and residents recognised the award as an achievement not only for the two artisans but also for Kanihama and the wider handloom sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Art of Kani Weaving
Kani shawls stand out for their intricate patterns, detailed motifs and painstaking weaving process. Artisans use small wooden sticks, traditionally called kanis, to create elaborate designs instead of relying on ordinary printed or embroidered patterns.
The Chand-Daar Kani Shawl features a distinctive artistic composition and requires considerable time and concentration. Weavers carefully follow design patterns while managing several coloured threads. Even a minor error can affect the balance of the entire design, making technical accuracy essential.
The process demands years of training. Artisans must understand colour combinations, motifs, thread movement and the structural details of the shawl. The finished product therefore reflects both artistic creativity and extraordinary manual skill.
National Handloom Day Ceremony
The award ceremony formed part of the 12th National Handloom Day celebrations in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025 to artisans, weavers, organisations and other contributors from across India.
A total of 22 individuals and organisations received recognition, including three Sant Kabir Handloom Award winners and 19 National Handloom Award recipients. The awards acknowledged contributions in traditional weaving, innovative design, product development, marketing, start-up initiatives and efforts to strengthen producer organisations.
Each National Handloom Award recipient received a Tamrapatra, a shawl and a certificate. Reports also stated that the award carried a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.
The ceremony brought together senior officials, master weavers, designers, exporters, artisans and representatives of the handloom industry. It provided a national platform for recognising the people who preserve India’s diverse weaving traditions.
Importance for Future Generations
The recognition carries significance beyond the personal achievement of the two artisans. It draws attention to the economic and cultural value of Kashmir’s handloom sector. Kani weaving supports artisan families, sustains local skills and preserves a craft closely connected with the region’s identity.
The award can also encourage younger people to consider handloom work as a viable and respected livelihood. Many traditional crafts face challenges such as declining artisan numbers, limited market access, competition from machine-made products and inadequate awareness among consumers. Public recognition can help address some of these concerns by increasing demand and improving the visibility of authentic handmade products.
The honour may further strengthen efforts to promote Kani shawls in national and international markets. Better branding, fair remuneration, digital promotion and direct access to buyers can help artisans receive greater value for their work.
Official Appreciation
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated Fayaz Ahmad Wani and Manzoor Ahmad Hajam after they received the award. He described the recognition as a celebration of Kashmir’s timeless handloom legacy and the artistic excellence of its artisans.
The Budgam administration also felicitated the two weavers and acknowledged their contribution to preserving the region’s traditional craftsmanship. Such local recognition can complement national awards and motivate communities to protect their indigenous skills.
A Living Heritage
The National Handloom Award has reaffirmed the enduring value of Kashmir’s Kani shawl tradition. Through the Chand-Daar Kani Shawl, Fayaz Ahmad Wani and Manzoor Ahmad Hajam have demonstrated how heritage, discipline and innovation can come together in a single handcrafted product.
Their achievement has brought honour to Kanihama and Budgam while reminding the country that India’s cultural strength often lives in the hands of its artisans. Supporting these craftspeople will remain essential to ensuring that Kani weaving continues to flourish for future generations.#
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