Kashmir Master Weavers Honored With National Handloom Award by President Draupadi Murmu
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 08, 2026 — In a proud moment for the handicraft heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, two master weavers from Kanihama in Budgam district, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, have been conferred with the prestigious National Handloom Award. President of India Draupadi Murmu presented the honor during a grand ceremony in New Delhi organized to mark National Handloom Day. The joint award recognizes their exceptional craftsmanship, technical mastery, and dedication to preserving the traditional art of Kani weaving.
The duo secured the national recognition for their collaborative creation, an antique masterpiece titled the Chand-Daar Kani Shawl. The awarded work includes a official citation alongside a cash prize of ₹2.5 lakh. The creation showcases a rare and intricate Kani weaving technique guided by coded Talim scripts—a precise visual shorthand used by artisans to map complex patterns. To recreate the historic aesthetic, the weavers seamlessly blended nearly 20 distinct hues, demonstrating incredible skill and artistic fidelity.
Extending warm congratulations to the awardees, an official spokesman for the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, highlighted that the accolade serves as a fitting tribute to the invaluable contributions of Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani. The spokesman noted that by placing Kani weaving at the forefront of the national craft sector, this recognition is set to open lucrative new commercial avenues and bolster global interest in Kashmir’s high-value handloom products.
The department further emphasized that such exquisite craftsmanship plays a vital role in keeping centuries-old Kashmiri traditions alive while attracting international admiration. By setting a benchmark for artistic excellence, the master weavers have emerged as role models for thousands of artisans across the valley, bringing widespread pride and inspiration to the regional craft community.