Srinagar, Oct 15: A Kashmiri master artisan has been conferred the National Award 2025 in the Hand-Knotted Carpet category by the Union Ministry of Textiles, an official spokesperson said.
Rafiq Ahmed Sofi, a resident of Eidgah locality here, is the sole awardee from the Union territory, winning the award for a carpet that features intricate floral motifs, traditional architectural patterns and calligraphic elements.
“This honour recognises his exceptional craftsmanship and contribution to the traditional art of hand-knotted carpet weaving,” the spokesperson of Kashmir’s Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom said.
The spokesperson added that the award will give further traction to the Valley’s carpet industry.
Kashmir’s hand-knotted carpets represent a centuries-old tradition that combines fine knotting techniques with distinctive design elements and education, for which it was awarded GI registration in 2016, based on its source of origin.
A formal award ceremony is scheduled in December in which amongst other winners, Sofi will also be felicitated.
