Now Reading: Kashmir papier-mache artisans busy with Christmas orders
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Kashmir papier-mache artisans busy with Christmas orders
The Story in Brief
Kashmir's traditional papier-mache artisans are busy crafting Christmas decorations, with orders running into lakhs of pieces from European and Western countries, veteran artisan Mohammad Yousuf from Anantnag district told Brighter Kashmir. Yousuf noted that orders from the US have declined due to higher tariffs on Indian goods, while European demand remains strong.
Meanwhile, Srinagar-based artisan Simran Irshad and her mentor Yousuf have successfully created papier-mache using aquatic weeds from Dal Lake instead of paper scrap, Hindustan Times reported. The innovation addresses rising scrap costs, now Rs 2,500 to 3,500 per quintal from Rs 500 to 700 in 2020, and could help clean the lake. Simran said they need more space and institutional support from the handicrafts department and Indian Institute of Craft and Design to scale up.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both outlets cover distinct aspects of the same craft. Brighter Kashmir focuses on the Christmas order surge and the tariff-driven US decline, framing the craft as a thriving export industry with official support. Hindustan Times leads with a green innovation, replacing paper with Dal Lake weeds, and highlights cost pressures and the need for institutional backing. Neither outlet conflicts: they report separate developments tied to different artisans. The combined picture shows a craft adapting to both international trade headwinds and rising raw-material costs, with environmental co-benefits. The next step depends on whether the handicrafts department and the Indian Institute of Craft and Design provide the space and support Simran Irshad seeks for scaling up the weed-based technique.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): brighterkashmir.com (neutral report), hindustantimes.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
