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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Christmas Gifts Kashmir
HEADLINE: Kashmir Artisans Turn Paper Into Christmas Treasures
TEASER:
PUBLISHED AT: 11/23/2023 at 8:40AM
BYLINE: MUHEET UL ISLAM
DATELINE: SRINAGAR, INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR
VIDEOGRAPHER: WASIM NABI
VIDEO EDITOR: WASIM NABI
SCRIPT EDITORS: Reifenrath sv
VIDEO SOURCE: VOA
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV X RADIO __
TRT: 2:44
VID APPROVED BY: MAS
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[The Indian side of Kashmir is home to very few Christians, but people from the region put their blood and sweat into preparing gifts for Christmas celebrations. For VOA, Muheet Ul Islam has more from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir.]]
((NARRATOR))
As the global Christian community eagerly anticipates the Christmas holiday, paper-mâché gifts crafted on the Indian side of Kashmir stand out to be among the top-selling Christmas items in European and American markets.
Meeting the demand for these items takes several months — and dedication.
((Mohammad Iqbal Shah, Paper-Mâché Artist (Kashmiri, 18 Sec)))
“I have dedicated 35 years to this profession, passionately contributing alongside my colleagues. However, despite our hard work, our financial returns have not matched the depth of our commitment.”
((NARRATOR))
The process begins at a small workshop in Srinagar where paper is soaked in water, ground, and then mixed with flour and glue. The mixture is applied on a wooden base to shape objects like balls, bells and stars, which are later sun-dried.
The dried objects are then sent to manufacturing units, where skilled artisans decorate them.
Later, they add intricate designs in pencil or pen, transforming them into Christmas decorations.
The artisans say fulfilling an order usually takes four to five months. Christmas balls, hats, stars, and bells are popular with customers.
((Mohammad Amin Dar, Ubaid Handicrafts, (Kashmiri, 20 Sec) ))
“We receive minimum orders of fifty-thousand to one-hundred-thousand units from Europe and America. Over 500 individuals are associated with one manufacturer each, and all of them play a vital role in bringing out our craft at a global platform.”
((NARRATOR))
In the Muslim-majority region of Indian-administered Kashmir, where very few Christians live, local demand for the decorations is not high.
Retailers instead depend on tourists from various parts of India and other countries who visit the Valley during the holiday season. Manufacturers, however, mostly export products to national and international markets to earn their livelihood.
((Mohammad Meddi, Sunbeams Showroom, (English, 20 Sec) ))
“We have a huge response from the international customers and buyers. If we talk about Christmas revenue for these couple of months, it is about more than 20 lakh rupees.”
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile, the work does not end with Christmas, as the paper-mâché artists also prepare goods for other holidays like Easter and Halloween.
((Muheet Ul Islam, VOA News, from Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateNovember 23, 2023 08:45 EST
BylineMUHEET UL ISLAM
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English, US Agency for Global Media
