TEHELKA WEB DESK
Srinagar, July 27: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday showcased Kashmir’s traditional waguv mat-making craft during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, commending the efforts of a Srinagar artisan and his daughter for reviving the centuries-old tradition and introducing it to a wider market.
Describing waguv as an eco-friendly and distinctive craft, the Prime Minister said the handmade mats, woven from reeds and paddy straw, had long been a part of life in Kashmir but had gradually fallen out of use.
“When one possesses both talent and the passion to achieve something, every path becomes easy. A glimpse of that is evident in the efforts currently being made regarding Kashmir’s traditional ‘waguv’ mat,” he said. Explaining the craft, Modi said the process begins with harvesting reeds and grasses from Kashmir’s marshlands. “The raw material is then dried in the sun and sorted before artisans begin the painstaking process of hand-weaving the mats,” he said. “It takes approximately four days for two artisans to complete a single mat,” PM Modi said, describing the product as both unique and environmentally friendly.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the practical benefits of the traditional mat, noting that it keeps people cool during the summer and warm in the winter, making it well suited to Kashmir’s climate and lifestyle. During his address, Modi acknowledged the work of Srinagar-based artisan Ghulam Hussain and his daughter, Tanzeela, for leading efforts to revive the traditional craft at a time when it had witnessed a decline.
“Both dedicated themselves to reviving the tradition of the ‘Vagu’ craft,” PM Modi said, adding that Ghulam Hussain came from a humble background and overcame several difficulties in his mission to preserve the craft. Despite the challenges, he said, Hussain remained committed to safeguarding the traditional art form. Modi added that the revival movement gradually encouraged more people to join the initiative, while support from the local government also helped strengthen the effort.
“Today, ‘waguv’ is rapidly gaining popularity and reaching other parts of the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister praised everyone involved in preserving the craft and linked its revival to the government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign aimed at promoting indigenous products.
“In this context, do consider making Kashmir’s ‘waguv’ a part of your home as well,” he said.
The mention of waguv in Mann Ki Baat has brought renewed national attention to the traditional Kashmiri craft, which is known for its sustainable use of locally sourced materials and skilled hand-weaving.
The recognition is expected to encourage efforts to preserve the craft’s traditional identity while helping artisans expand its reach to markets beyond Jammu and Kashmir.
