SRINAGAR: Two master weavers from Kanihama in Budgam district, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, have been conferred the prestigious National Handloom Award for their contribution to Kani weaving.
The duo received the award for their joint entry, Chand-Daar Kani Shawl, from President Droupadi Murmu at a function held in New Delhi to mark National Handloom Day.
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, congratulated the two weavers, saying the recognition acknowledged their contribution to preserving and promoting the traditional Kani weaving craft.
According to a statement issued by the department, the award-winning shawl represents a rare Kani weaving technique guided by coded Talim scripts to achieve precision. The work incorporates nearly 20 distinct hues to recreate an antique masterpiece.
The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.
A department spokesman said the recognition had brought Kani weaving into greater prominence within the crafts sector and could create new business opportunities for the high-value traditional craft.
The department said the craftsmanship of the two weavers had helped preserve the centuries-old tradition while earning wider recognition, adding that their achievement could serve as an example for other weavers and the wider craft community.
