Youth in Kashmir weaving future through handlooms

The handloom development department in Leh is providing free training with stipend to the unemployed youngsters of the state to make them self-dependent.

The training serves a dual purpose of making the youth self-dependent, as well as preserving the local traditional art of weaving Pashmina (fine Kashmiri wool) and spinning. Women are the primary trainees at the centre and can often be seen working at the looms and sewing machines.

Apart from weaving, the trainees are also taught knitting, dyeing, painting of Thigma (Ladakh wool clothing), and tailoring among others. They are provided with training of six months and one year depending on their requirement and are also paid a stipend to encourage them to continuing the learning.

For centuries, Pashmina shawls have been woven on handlooms from wool handspun from the shaggy coat of a goat which lives in the heights of the Himalayas in Ladakh region.

Thousands of Kashmiris are associated with the ancient trade, with women mostly spinning and men weaving the delicate yarn into warm, soft scarves and shawls which are often embroidered. The name Pashmina is derived from the Persian for wool.

Source: http://ddinews.gov.in/people/youth-kashmir-weaving-future-through-handlooms