Ecofriendly and beautiful: Kishtwar’s grass work and handicraft community

A flute rendition, in the land of sapphire in Kishtwar. Amid serene rivulets and mountains, is the valley of Padder in Kashmir known for its enthralling beauty. Battling a rough terrain, a group of women over local folklore, weave something beautiful and useful with grass, color, wool, and thread.

Koodur crafts are a part of heritage, livelihoods, and sustainability here in the Padder valley of Kishtwar, famous for ‘Paddari’ kambals (blankets) and Jootis (shoes) for men and women.

The formidable terrain of snow and ice, and concerns of militancy, or climate change don’t deter these women in the valley from this engagement. For they have traditionally devised a collective capital to fight challenges of livelihoods and harsh climate. Says Arun Sharma, part of the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows Scheme, working toward establishing market linkages for these crafts: “The technique that women deploy to weave these eco-friendly, sturdy jootis is unique. These women weave grass reeds in such a way that the nodules act as acupressure points.” Koodur grass, a rigid sturdy jute-like material is found aplenty here, growing by the banks of little streams.
These women groups need market intervention and crafts promotion so that these eco-friendly, shoes could reach urban wardrobes as well.

Written By: Swasti Pachuari

Images: Arun Sharma (PMNRF))