Srinagar, Jul 26: Prime Minister NarendraModi on Sunday highlighted Kashmir’s traditional ‘waguv’ mat-making craft in his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, praising the efforts of a Srinagar-based artisan and his daughter to revive the centuries-old tradition and take it to markets across the country.
Calling ‘waguv’ a unique and eco-friendly craft, PM Modi said the traditional mat, made from reeds and paddy straw, had been part of Kashmiri households for generations, but its use had declined in recent years.
“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.
The PM said that the craft begins with harvesting grass and reeds from the marshy regions of Kashmir.
“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.
Highlighting one of its distinctive features, he said the waguv mat provides coolness during summer and warmth in winter, making it particularly suited to Kashmir’s traditional way of life.
The PM credited Srinagar-based artisan GhulamHussain and his daughter, Tanzeela, with taking up the challenge of reviving the craft at a time when its popularity had waned.
Greater Kashmir in its April 16 edition in the news report ‘Kashmiri artisans spin stories of survival and revival’ was the first to report about Tanzeela and her father’s efforts to revive the 300-year-old Kashmiri waguv craft.
“Both dedicated themselves to reviving the tradition of the ‘Vagu’ craft,” PM Modi said, adding that GhulamHussain came from a humble background and faced numerous challenges in his endeavour.
However, he said that Hussain’s determination to preserve the traditional craft remained unwavering.
The PM said that the revival initiative soon attracted the participation of many others, while Hussain also received support from the local government, helping him advance the craft.
“Today, ‘waguv’ is rapidly gaining popularity and reaching other parts of the country,” he said.
PM Modi expressed pride in everyone associated with the revival of the traditional craft and linked the initiative with the broader campaign to promote indigenous products under the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement.
“In this context, do consider making Kashmir’s ‘waguv’ a part of your home as well,” he said.
The PM’s mention of waguv in Mann Ki Baat has brought renewed national attention to a traditional Kashmiri craft that combines indigenous knowledge, skilled handwork, and sustainable use of locally available materials.
For artisans associated with the craft, the recognition is expected to provide fresh impetus to efforts aimed at preserving waguv’s traditional identity while expanding its reach beyond Kashmir.
