Things to Buy in Kashmir : Cherish the Craft and Culture of the Valley

The place is even called the “Paradise On Earth”, which explains the breathtaking views of heaven that we get to witness, but at the same time for its culture and artisan work. This area provides an unusual shopping experience where one can see the traditional peepal, a craftsman like him that reflects his original Kashmiri culture. In this detailed guide, I will take you through what all to buy in Kashmir including the variety of local craft forms on offer along with popular markets and some tips for a great shopping experience.

1. Kashmiri Shopping Guide

Kashmir is a vibrant, community-rich area and shopping there will give you an insight into the Kashmiri way of life. The variety of products in Kashmir range from sumptuous textiles to painstakingly rendered handmade items that honour the craft, passed down diligently by local artisans. The range of products, set amidst the scenic beauty of the place makes shopping in Kashmir a wonderful and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2. Pashmina Shawls

History and Significance

If there is one thing that Kashmir is known for across all six expected corners of the world, it has to be its Pashmina shawls. Pashmina, a word of Persian origin that means wool. These are shawls made with the fine wool of Pashmina goat (also called cashmere/goat-wool in Europe, North America and Australia), which is a special breed native to Ladakh Kashmir high altitudes region.

The tradition of weaving Pashmina shawls is centuries old and has been associated traditionally with the royalty and nobility. A Pashmina shawl is made traditionally from the finest wool, and production process include almost all handwork- starting right back from the collection of Camel’s hair to creating that beautiful intricate pattern.

Types of Pashmina Shawls

Plain Pashmina Shawls — These classic shawls made from pure pashm often are simple designs and solid colours.

Kani Shawls Design: Kani shawls are famous for their extremely delicate designs and ornate patterns woven in with a variety of motifs using specially used technique that includes small wooden sticks called Kanis to create diversified images.

Jamawar Shawls — These are beautifully designed shawls with detailed patterns and often including paisley or floral designs. These shawls, heavier and warmer than the others specifically designated Jamavar are made of spun silk.

Embossed Shawls- These shawls have a pattern in raised platforms that creates an embossed effect. The embossing on the other hand is made by heating molds that imbue with a fabric.

Where to Buy

Srinagar: The prominent markets in Srinagar, including Lal Chowk-market re-opened-kashmir,Polo View Market and Kashmir Government Arts Emporium are all very good places to buy Pashmina shawls.

Local Shops: You may visit some trusted shops and boutiques such as Pashmina House, shalimar Shawl house where you can find good quality pahsmina products.

3. Kashmiri Carpets

Craftsmanship and Designs

Kashmiri carpets: These are amongst the best and highest quality in terms of design intricacy, perfect cut workmanship. The big tussle in Kashmir is over making carpets that tell stories of artful patterns and colors are generations-old handcraft, handed down from generation to generation.

This weaving process takes great skill, and the weavers employ traditional methods to create carpets with intricate patterns that include floral motifs, geometric shapes, and historical references.

Types of Carpets

Nimble Carpets — also known as VishwaCarpets, these have wavy blue printed designs and can be placed in drawing rooms or lounges.

Kashmir Rugs: These rugs are the smaller and perfect to use in an individual space or a decorive piece.

Persian Carpets: As the name suggests, Inspired by Persian designs these carpets are often a bit busy with their intricate motifs and come in many sizes and colors.

Where to Buy

Srinagar: Kashmir Government Arts Emporium, Old City Srinaga;Various local carpet shop.

Buy From Local Weavers: If you’re looking for real, handmade carpets then head to weaver lanes in places like Srinagar Old City.

4. Kashmiri Silverware

Types of Silverware

The silverware of Kashmir is famous for its intricate designs and the artisanship with which each object does made. Kashmiri silver is characterized by bold designs and intricate tribal etchings them epitome into mythic state of design culture.

Silver Utensils – Unique traditional items: Serve ware like bowls, plates and tea sets are Mercedes.

Silver jewelry: this can consist of rings, necklaces and bracelets usually studded with well-known Kashmiri motifs

Silver Items: Example, small boxes and trays.

Crafting Techniques

The Gemini Monster locking mechanism (2.5 oz) Genuine Mother of Pearl inlayed handle Kashmiri silverware 4 modes of carry They are beautifully decorated with intricate patterns and designs that often integrate natural motifs alongside indigenous crafts.

Where to Buy

Srinagar: You look for silverware at the likes of Lal Chowk and Polo View Market. Some of the main shops include Kashmir Silver House and Srinagar Silver Emporium.

5. Kashmiri Saffron

The Importance of Saffron

Zafran, a variety of saffron grown in the Kashmir region is one of the most valuable spices across different continents. This unique smell, taste, and color make it famous. The crocus flower stigma that is harvested for saffron, which you will find in a lot of Kashmiri recipes.

How to Choose Quality Saffron

Some Things to Keep in Mind When you Buy Saffron

Golden Silk: The highest quality saffron is characterized by deep red golden silk threads with orange tips.

Scent – True saffron has a powerful and odd perfume to it.

Texture: saffron threads should be dry and somewhat brittle, NOT moist or all clumpy like mine were once.

Where to Buy

Srinagar: Lal Chowk and Saffron market- Kashmir Saffron House are the places where you can buy saffron.

Family farms: Family saffron buyers Visit Saffron Farms in Pampore also called Kashmir’s saffron city — they live next to the world-famous Arzoo neighborhood.

6. Kashmiri Papier-mâché

Artistry and Techniques

Papier-mâché (a traditional craft in Kashmir), creating paper art on it. It is also used to create different items such as boxes, trays and decoration pieces.

This consists in creating a firm base by over-layering paper and breezing it followed with paintings on the upper side of this strong layer. The art owes its name to the brilliant colors, and floral designs mirroring cultures of Kashmir form affixed in panel-format.

Popular Items

Decorative Boxes – typically used for jewelry or other small items.

Trays & Plates: plates are used for serving food as well as decorative pieces.

Wall Art (Paintings other home decor items)

Where to Buy

Srinagar: Take a look at the markets near Lal Chowk and Kashmir Government Arts Emporium where you will find all types of papier-mâché items.

Master Craftsmen: Visit artisan workshops in Srinagar for hand made Papier-mâché articles.

7. Kashmiri Handicrafts

Embroidery and Needlework

Kashmiri Embroidery (also popularly known as Kashida) is an ancient craft of painting that involves colorful needlework on various types of fabrics. Many people use this type of embroidery for shawls, suits and other dresses.

Sozni: An embroidery form that is characterized by fine needlework usually seen on shawls and other clothing.

Aari Embroidery: Known for its raised, textured stitches that are often used on textiles like shawls.

Wood Carvings

An exquisite craft is the intricate designs of Kashmiri wood carvings. Common items include:

Wooden Boxes and Trays- from Practical to decorative wooden boxes something that could be a simple tray down even intricately carved.

Furnishings chairscupboardѕ tables

Where to Buy

Srinagar: Lal Chowk,the city centre in Sringar has many local markets and shops where you can buy vibrant Kashmiri embroidered textiles, wood carvings

Artisan Workshops- Witness how certain crafts are made and take some with you.

8. Local Spices and Condiments

Popular Spices

The flavors and spices used in the Kashmiri are exquisite. Here are a few commonly used spices and condiments that you could purchase:

Kashmiri Red Chili Powder — Gives red color and heat to the dish with least spiciness in it.

Garam Masala: A mixture of spices, used to bring depth and complexity into dishes.

Hing (Asafoetida): This spice is used as a digestive aid, in food recipes and can be consumed even raw.

How to Use Them

The same spices are useful to make Kashmiri dishes at home if you want the spicy flavors in your cooking. In preparation of dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni and many different rice preparations they are used.

Where to Buy

Srinagar: The lal chowk market and Polo View Market have a large variety of local spices.

Best Buy: Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir have specialty spice shops for you to visit.

9. Kashmiri Tea

Types of Tea

There are multiple tea varieties in Kashmir, all have their own taste and making:

Kahwa : Tea of bright green color mixed with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and cloves along with garnishing nuts at times

Noon Chai (Kashmiri Tea) Pink tea with green tealeaves, milk and baking soda served at snacks time

Benefits and Flavor

Kashmiri tea is perfect if you are looking for a comforting and rich flavor that provides your body warmth. Tea Especially Kahwa thought to improve digestion and overall health.

Where to Buy

Tea shops at Lal Chowk and Polo View Market offer a range of Kashmiri teas in Srinagar

Local Tea Producers- This is the best way in which you can get authentic and great quality tea products. Purchase directly from local producers.

10. Some Useful Tips for ear Shopping in Kashmir

Bargaining and Pricing

In Kashmir, bargaining is rampant in markets. While it is mostly okay, but do with respect and politesy. Knowing the general price of items will prepare you for bargaining.

Authenticity and Quality

Be confident you happen to be only buying genuine, high. Tip: Be sure to buy certified products such as Pashmina shawls and saffron, or ask from where the product comes.

Best Markets and Shops

• Lal Chowk: A marketplace in the heart of Srinagar, known for a wide range of products like textiles, handicrafts and spices.

Polo View Market: This is a market where you can shop for Pashmina shawls, carpets and other raw items.

Kashmir Government Arts Emporium : A store run by the government of India which sells original handcrafts and artifacts from Kashmir.

11. Conclusion

From the mesmerizing beauty, skilled craftsmen and more shopping in Kashmir is very beautiful not just transactional but engaging you to its culture and arts. With its luxurious Pashmina shawls, intricate wood carvings and aromatic spices each item paints a picture of the skill and culture that belongs to the Paradise on Earth. Through local markets and meanings of the products, you can take back not just souvenirs but sweet memories of your visit to this mesmerizing region.

This all-encompassing guide is here to enhance your shopping experience in Kashmir, arming you with the know-how of what to buy and where. The World Food Travel Association and our Board of Advisors are very grateful to the top 10 foodie destination nominees on behalf of all gastronomically inclined travelers around the world.