Srinagar, Oct 15 (NVI): Ladakh’s traditional Pashmina shawls, handwoven textiles and indigenous handicrafts are being showcased at the Lakme Fashion Week in New Delhi, with designers from the Union Territory scheduled to present their collections on October 18, officials said.
A dedicated stall featuring Pashmina products, traditional textiles, intricate embroidery and indigenous handicrafts has been set up at the fashion event, being held from October 13 to 18 at The Taj in New Delhi, a spokesperson said in a statement.
The showcase highlights the rich craftsmanship of the Changthang region, where generations of pastoral communities have sustained the traditional Pashmina industry through the rearing of Changra goats, known for producing fine Pashmina fibre.
Despite the harsh climatic conditions of the high-altitude Changthang plateau, local herders have preserved their traditional practices over generations, making Pashmina an integral part of Ladakh’s cultural heritage and livelihood system, the spokesperson said.
The stall features products crafted by local artisans, weavers, spinners and women entrepreneurs, showcasing the journey of Pashmina from the high-altitude pastures of Changthang to finished products that combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs.
Designers from Ladakh will present their collections on the runway on October 18, highlighting Pashmina creations, traditional embroidery and modern interpretations of the region’s indigenous textiles, he said.
The participation is aimed at bringing the work of Changthang herders, artisans, craftspeople and women-led Self-Help Groups into the spotlight while creating opportunities to connect local producers with wider markets.
The initiative also seeks to promote local enterprises, strengthen market linkages and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities associated with the handloom and handicrafts sector.
The spokesperson said the showcase reflects the efforts of the Union Territory administration and the Department of Industries and Commerce under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme to strengthen Ladakh’s traditional industries.
The initiative focuses on supporting artisans and Self-Help Groups, upgrading traditional skills, encouraging local entrepreneurship and improving the visibility of products made in the region.
By bringing Ladakh’s indigenous crafts to a prominent fashion platform, the initiative aims to preserve the region’s cultural heritage while creating new avenues for growth and wider recognition of its traditional craftsmanship, he added. —(NVI)
