Shikara boat and Kashmir willow cricket bat granted with Geographical Indication tag | Hindustan Times
In the picturesque valley of Kashmir, renowned for its exquisite handicrafts, discussions are underway to expand the list of traditionally protected crafts. The Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, Tariq Ahmad Zargar, recently held talks with Intellectual Property India (IPI) to speed up the process of Geographical Indication (GI) registration for five additional crafts: Kashmir Namda, Gabba, Wagguv, Shikara, and Kashmir Willow bat.
These discussions also include the submission of three more products of the Valley for GI consideration: copperware, willow wicker, and chain stitch crafts. The aim is to increase the demand for production and sale of these seven GI-tagged handicrafts from Kashmir, a move that aligns with the "Vocal for Local" initiative.
The concept of Geographical Indication (GI) is simple yet powerful. According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation, a GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. As of July 2025, beyond the well-known Kashmiri crafts such as Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni embroidery, Papier-Mâché, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand Knotted Carpets, there are indications of additional crafts either acquiring or being considered for GI tags.
However, detailed official confirmation for specific new crafts beyond these main categories is limited. As it stands, the officially GI-tagged iconic Kashmiri crafts remain primarily those listed: Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni, Papier-Mâché, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand Knotted Carpets.
Government initiatives under “One District One Product” are supporting various handicraft hubs in Kashmir, such as Namda rugs in Pulwama, although it is not explicitly confirmed that Namda has a separate GI tag distinct from the core list. Emerging crafts like “Gucci Mushroom” from Jammu and Kashmir are reported to be gaining attention toward receiving a GI tag, indicating expanding recognition of other regional products. However, “Gucci Mushroom” is not a traditional craft but an agricultural product also under consideration for GI registration.
Other handicrafts referenced with GI tags in India include Basohli Pashmina & Painting and crafts such as Tweed fabric and Loi blankets from Kishtwar, the latter being from the greater Jammu and Kashmir region. However, the detailed status for each craft specifically within Kashmir for 2025 is not fully clarified in available sources.
Recent government enforcement efforts emphasize protecting the authenticity of registered Kashmiri handicrafts under GI laws, focusing on crackdowns against fakes. This underscores ongoing GI recognition but does not detail new craft registrations beyond the known ones.
For those seeking verification for a specific craft beyond those mentioned, official updates from the Geographical Indications Registry of India or Jammu & Kashmir government notifications would be the most authoritative sources.
- To ensure the authenticity and increase the demand for these traditional Kashmiri crafts, advocates are seeking both GI registration and protection of the rights associated with the indications of additional crafts, such as copperware, willow wicker, and chain stitch crafts.
- By expanding the number of GI-tagged crafts in the home-and-garden and lifestyle categories, the "Vocal for Local" initiative supports the livelihoods and preservation of cultural heritage in Kashmir, including emerging crafts like "Gucci Mushroom" and traditional crafts yet to receive formal GI protection at home.
