Keeping Kashmiri Heritage Alive: Muhammad Irfan’s Namda Craft

Srinagar: Despite low wages, Muhammad Irfan, a skilled artisan, continues to work on Namda, the centuries-old Kashmiri felt-making craft.

Namda, traditionally made from sheep wool and natural dyes, is a unique handmade carpet that represents Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. Muhammad Irfan spends hours carefully rolling, pressing, and stitching the wool, preserving techniques passed down through generations.

His dedication highlights the challenges artisans face: low income, limited market access, and competition from machine-made alternatives. Yet, for Irfan, the work is not just a livelihood—it is a mission to keep Kashmir’s traditional art alive.