Artists unite to preserve Kashmir’s Pashmina legacy through online exhibition

A landmark initiative to honor the endangered art of Kashmiri Pashmina is set to launch with The Grand Pashmina Ehsaas 2024, an online exhibition curated by artist Manisha Gawade. This tribute, inspired by her late mentor Dr. Alka Raghuvanshi, will bring together eighteen renowned visual artists and musicians in a digital celebration of this exquisite craft. The event will stream online starting 15 December, 2024, at 7:00 PM and will remain open until 30 December, 2024, on platforms dedicated to preserving this rich legacy.

Manisha Gawade, who has long been a passionate advocate for artistic expression, emphasizes the need to protect the heritage of Pashmina artistry. “If we all don’t wake up now we can lose these works of artistic brilliance forever. Pashminas make up important pieces of heirlooms to be passed onto our generation next. The cycle of poor demand will eventually kill the supplies. The production of these masterpieces has gone down majorly due to many geo-political reasons. It’s our national pride and we as artists wish to highlight this pressing subject to the nation, making them aware of the possible extinction of the Pashmina,” she said.

Fifteen visual artists, including luminaries like Prof. Niren Sengupta, Shridhar Iyer, Niladri Paul, and sculptor Gagan Vij, will present their work in support of the karigars and weavers of Pashmina. Joining them are Priyendra Shukla, Sonali Durga Chaudhari, Anki Bhutia, Durga Kainthola, Kavita Nayar, Sarla Chandra, Rashmi Khurana, Sonika Agarwal, Artist Subhadra Chaturvedi, and Gawade herself. Their collective efforts will underscore the importance of cultural heritage and the pride rooted in India’s artistic traditions.

Adding to the grandeur, the exhibition will feature performances by world-renowned sitarist Shubhendra Rao, cellist Saskia Rao, and acclaimed santoor player Abhay Sapori, son of Padma Shri awardee Pt. Bhajan Sapori. Their soulful compositions will lend a resonant voice to the call for preserving this cultural legacy.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” vision, The Grand Pashmina Ehsaas aims to share India’s intricate craftsmanship with the world. The initiative echoes the resilience of Kashmiri Pashmina, which UNESCO has lauded as a testament to the region’s rich cultural dialogues.

Pashmina, often referred to as “soft gold,” is derived from the fleece of Changthangi goats in Ladakh. This textile, celebrated for its luxurious texture, dates back to the 15th century when Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin introduced its embroidery to Kashmir. The legacy flourished under the Mughals, becoming a cherished symbol of luxury and cultural heritage. The Silk Roads further enriched Kashmiri Pashmina, leaving a lasting influence on its intricate designs and motifs.

The event also marks the ongoing legacy of Ehsaas, an initiative born in 2012 from the vision of Gawade and Dr. Alka Raghuvanshi. Ehsaas has championed countless artists across disciplines, from dance and music to weaving and sculpting, even pioneering India’s first wearable art installation.

The Grand Pashmina Ehsaas 2024 is more than an exhibition—it is a call to action, urging India and the world to safeguard the art and artisans behind Kashmiri Pashmina, ensuring this treasured heritage continues to thrive.

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