Kashmir Crafts Exposition 

Gar Baruae Zami Ast. Hami Ast! Hami Ast! - (If there is heaven on Earth, it is Kashmir and only Kashmir).

Even if the valley of Kashmir is only a distant dream, a tasteful glimpse of it in Delhi is more than welcome. Add to it a cup of the traditional Kahva, well simmered in the heat of 'angar' in the 'Samavar' (an earthenware pot, encased in a cane basket) with not just leaf tea but with a variety of different spices and effervescent herbs.

Kashmir Crafts Exposition was set up by Kashmiri inhabitants who are into the manufacturing business back home, bringing in the the best of the Valley to the foreign buyers and the Delhiites who visit this place or place their export orders.

The first article to catch fancy is the gold-plated Kangdi - an earthenware pot with burning angar, encased in a cane basket. In winters the Kashmiris wear the firen (a long Kashmiri overcoat) hold the Kangdi in their hands to keep themselves warm. Another thing of interest was the demonstration of preparing the Kahva in the copper Samavar. It is available in various capacities and the price ranges from Rs 1000/- to 3000/-.

The carpets on display are the high quality silk warp-wefted or silk-wool combination hand knotted ones, rather than the tufted loom products. No wonder the Kashmiri carpets may cost over Rs. 10 lakhs!

Shawls of Kashmir have always hogged the limelight. It was the infamous Shahtoosh earlier. But now, for reasons more ecological, the Jamavar has taken over. These shawls were originally woven for the queens of Nawabs. The speciality lies in the intricate needlework done by the ladies of the house. It may take over 3 to 4 years for a good Jamavar shawl to be made. And no wonder an excellent Jamavar may cost over Rs 5 lakhs!

In the paper Machi section of the shop, one can find beautifully crafted jewellery boxes. These are made of Walnut wood. The assistant informs, " This durable quality wood will not be available any more few years from now. There is a restriction on the cutting of walnut trees and the art shall die soon."

The rare Silk crepe from the factories of Kashmir is available at the Kashmir Exposition. Other products available here are embroidered bedspreads, tea-sets, silk saris, leather jackets and other silk and semi-pashmina products.

And in spite of the instability in Kashmir, one wonders about (literally) the Lotus that still blooms in the troubled waters of Dal Lake! As informed by S. Mattoo, the manager of the outlet, "Art is the life of Kashmir, no matter what happens there. From childhood, we are born in a culture resplendent in art and craft. The best thing about Kashmiri articles is that there cannot be any duplication. So one can be assured of the genuineness of most of the products. The reason for it that they can be best produced in the Valley alone. Many products take years of intricate work and most of the work is done by the ladies of the house. The cost of production will rise if they are relocated to Delhi or any other place."

Looking at the gamut of the products available with Kashmir Exposition, one's faith is reinstated in the spirit of Kashmir that still survives. Cheers to that cup of life - a la kahva!!

Address: 4, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi -110 016.
Phone: 652 9293. Fax: 011-686-8181

- Saurabh Sharma