Srinagar, Aug 10: Two artisans from Kanihama village of Budgam, Fayaz Ahmad Wani and his student Manzoor Ahmad Hajam, have brought national recognition to Kashmir’s traditional Kani weaving by winning the National Handloom Award 2025.
The duo received the prestigious award from President Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi on August 7 in the weaving category for their exceptional work on a Chanddar Kani Shawl, a fine example of Kashmiri craftsmanship known for its intricate patterns and painstaking weaving.
The award-winning shawl is based on a nearly 400-year-old Kani design, which the artisans found in an old book. They revived the traditional design four times and spent more than 15 months completing the masterpiece.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Fayaz Ahmad Wani said receiving the award from the President was a dream come true for his family.
“We never thought that we would receive an award from the hands of the President of India. Today, I have realised the value of the hard work I have been doing for the last 35 years,” he said.
Wani said the artisans used natural colours instead of chemical dyes while preparing the shawl. Although they initially planned to use around 40 colour combinations, they finally selected 20 colours to maintain the visibility and traditional appearance of the design.
He said the shawl was prepared jointly with his student Manzoor Ahmad Hajam, who has been working at his Kani unit for the past 25 years.
Wani, who runs his own Kani weaving unit, has trained more than 50 people in the traditional craft. Three of his students have also received national, state and other awards.
“All my students who learned Kani shawl-making skills from me are now well settled. They are running their own Kani units and earning a good livelihood from this craft,” he said.
Wani said he is currently preparing two more students for national and state-level competitions and expressed hope that they too would bring recognition to the traditional craft.
He also urged young people to learn Kani weaving so that the centuries-old craft can be preserved.
“People who are interested in learning Kani shawl-making should come to my unit. I will train them so they can learn the craft and earn their livelihood from it. My dream is to preserve this art for future generations,” Wani said.
For Hajam, the award was both a proud personal achievement and a tribute to his teacher.
“It is a proud moment for me. My teacher Fayaz Ahmad Wani has been teaching and guiding me for the last 25 years. It is because of him that I have reached this position,” Hajam said.
Hajam said Kani weaving has provided him with a sustainable livelihood and recognition in society.
“I am earning a good livelihood from this craft. It is because of this art that people know me today,” he said.
The achievement of Wani and Hajam highlights not only their exceptional craftsmanship but also the importance of preserving Kashmir’s traditional Kani weaving heritage for generations to come.
