Known for their exceptional human artistry and environmentally friendly nature, Basholi woollen products are prized keepsakes by the world's most elite segments of society. Excellent weavers and artisans entirely weave and embroider the Basohli Pashmina shawl by hand.

The artform

The exquisite method of hand-weaving or hand-embroidery on luxurious cloth, such as pashmina, is the art of Basholi shawl-making. Exceptional talent and an extraordinary level of attention, commitment, and wholehearted devotion are required for the unique and special art. The first step in the procedure is to separate the hairs from the wool, which is then combed and made into tiny, pliable plugs for spinning. To improve the tensile strength of the wool plugs, a locally known rice flour known as "chalita" is applied. It is doubled and twisted on the charkha to strengthen the spun yarn. Lastly, the yarn is mounted on the loom, where skilled weavers create exquisite shawls.

GI Tag

This more than 100-year-old traditional craft from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023.