SRINAGAR: In a recognition of Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old weaving tradition, two artisans from Budgam district have been selected for the prestigious National Handloom Award 2025 for their craftsmanship in the iconic Chanddar Kani Shawl. President Droupadi Murmu will present the award during the National Handloom Day celebrations in New Delhi on August 7.
The awardees, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, belong to Kanihama in Magam, Budgam, a village internationally known for its exquisite Kani shawl weaving tradition. They have been recognised in the weaving category for their work on the Chanddar Kani Shawl, one of Kashmir’s finest handwoven textile traditions.
The Ministry of Textiles on Tuesday announced the recipients of the Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and National Handloom Awards 2025, with a total of 22 awardees selected nationwide. The list comprises three Sant Kabir Handloom Award recipients and 19 National Handloom Award winners, honouring excellence in weaving, innovation, design development, marketing initiatives, start-up ventures and producer companies associated with the handloom sector.
Instituted under the Handloom Marketing Assistance component of the National Handloom Development Programme, the awards are regarded as the country’s highest recognition for excellence in the handloom ecosystem. The National Handloom Award honours artisans and stakeholders who have demonstrated outstanding craftsmanship, creativity, quality and innovation while preserving India’s rich weaving traditions.
The National Handloom Award carries a Tamrapatra, a shawl and a certificate. The awards aim to encourage excellence in traditional weaving, product diversification, design innovation and the adoption of modern techniques without compromising the authenticity of age-old crafts.
The National Handloom Day function will be attended by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, senior government officials, master weavers, designers, exporters, artisans and representatives of the handloom industry from across the country.
The recognition is expected to provide a fresh boost to the globally acclaimed Kani shawl tradition of Kashmir, which has long been celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance.
