Revival of carpet weaving brings new hope to Parthan village

Artisans from Parthan village in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district are leading efforts to revive and preserve traditional Kashmiri carpet weaving.
Shabir Ahmad Dar, a seasoned carpet weaver from Parthan, informed Rising Kashmir that he has dedicated the past decade to this craft, achieving substantial earnings from his work. Dar noted, “The village once thrived in carpet weaving, but declining demand led many to abandon the craft. Today, with renewed market interest, we have reinvigorated this tradition.”
Dar shared his personal journey, highlighting that he had to leave school after his father’s death due to financial difficulties. His family, including two brothers, turned to carpet weaving for sustenance. With increasing demand, more villagers are now returning to this traditional craft.
Tota Bano, another artisan from Parthan, balances household responsibilities with daily carpet weaving to support her three children. Learning the trade at age ten from her relatives, Bano has spent the past 12 years weaving carpets. She emphasized that for women, especially those unable to pursue other employment, carpet weaving offers a viable source of income.