Diverse Perspectives: Insights & Stories Exploring Ideas, Sharing Knowledge
Kashmir is also known as the ‘Paradise on Earth’; it boasts of some of the most beautiful terrains, lakes and ample historical and cultural sites. For the holiday makers, a Kashmir package provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and do some shopping. Srinagar has markets, which are full of life, and then there are valleys of Gulmarg and Pahalgam which are quiet and beautiful.
Although there is a lot of beauty in the landscape of Kashmir, it is also a good time to take a closer look at the local crafts and products. If a Kashmir Tour is well planned then tourist can really get to have the best of their tour and at the same time get to carry home some of the best items that depict the rich culture of the place. There is so much more to shop in Kashmir than just the famous Pashmina shawls; from fresh saffron to spices, Kashmir’s markets are a shopper’s delight.
Below is a breakdown of the six best things to purchase in Kashmir to come away with a memento of this beautiful region.
1. Pashmina Shawls
Overview: Among all the products of Kashmir, pashmina shawls are probably the most famous. These are the Pashmina shawls, which are woven from fleece of the Changthangi goat reared in the snowy heights of the Himalayas.
Characteristics:
Softness and Warmth: Pashmina is very soft and warm and is suitable to be used in the chilly climate of Kashmir.
Handwoven Artistry: Original Pashmina shawls are made by hand and the patterns or designs involved may depict the traditional Kashmiri style.
Variety of Styles: It is available in many types with plain and classy design to those that are more ornamented with embroidery.
Buying Tips:
Authenticity Check: If you are buying a pashmina scarf, look out for the brand that is labeled “100% Pashmina” and touch they to feel that it is not scratchy. Another test is to fold the shawl and put it to your palm; if you find it small and warm, then it is real.
Pricing: Real Pashmina shawls can cost anything from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of rupees depending upon the designs used.
2. Kashmiri Carpets
Overview: Kashmiri carpets are quite famous globally for their workmanship and ornamental value. These are usually hand-knotted, and the most common designs include floral motif and Persian influence.
Characteristics:
Quality and Durability: Kashmiri carpets are produced from wool, silk or a combination of the two materials; this carpets are very durable and last for generations.
Artistic Designs: Every single carpet is unique and patterns can range from geometric to floral, proving the talent of local craftsmen.
Buying Tips:
Understand the Types: The kinds of carpets such as silk or wool should also be considered as well as; the prices of the carpets. Silk carpets cost more than the others because they are made by hand.
Bargaining: Do not shy to haggle over the price as this is considered normal in all the outlets in the shopping centres in Kashmir.
3. Saffron
Overview: Even the saffron produced in Kashmir is one of the best in the world, in terms of color, taste and medical properties. It is used liberally in all forms of Kashmiri dishes, including the biryanis and the Kashmiri sweets.
Characteristics:
Hand-Harvested: Saffron is collected from the flowers of Crocus sativus and because the process is rather delicate, it’s quite expensive.
Health Benefits: Saffron is used in food and medicine as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects according to the study.
Buying Tips:
Quality Assurance: When buying saffron, seek for bright red stigmas with the pleasing smell. It is also important not to buy saffron that is too cheap because that is most likely it is not pure saffron or it is low quality.
Reputable Vendors: In order to obtain the purest and best quality saffron, it is recommended that people buy saffron from reputed stores or from local markets.
4. Papier-Mâché Products
Overview: Kashmiri art of papier-mâché is generally the art of making objects out of paper pulp. This art has for instance been around for generations and has produced some of the best decorative pieces.
Characteristics:
Intricate Designs: Common designs include bright colors and fine hand painting on the products with floral paintings, landscapes and traditional paintings.
Versatility: They include decorative bowls and trays, complex boxes and vases, etc.
Buying Tips:
Craftsmanship Check: Make sure the items are well made with great painting and fine surface texture. Preliminary research indicates that the quality of a product is reflected on its ability to last longer.
Local Markets: Try to visit local stores and craft stores to get a unique model that may not be sold in large stores.
5. Walnut Wood Crafts
Overview: One of the most popular and attractive hand-made items of Kashmir is that of walnut wood carving for which the place is famous. The wood is of high demand due to its hue and grain.
Characteristics:
Craftsmanship: Examples are furniture, carving decorations, kitchen utensils and many other carved items. The skills that were applied indicate efforts put by the artisans to create the work of art.
Durability: Walnut wood is hard and durable and because of this, the timber is used in making furniture and other home accessories.
Buying Tips:
Inspect the Detail: Finely detailed carving and a smooth finish are things that should be sought when purchasing a piece of furniture. Superior products will have complex patterns but the edges should not be jagged.
Price Range: They differ depending on the density and detail of the design and the size of the product.
6. Kashmiri Spices and Dry fruits
Overview: Kashmir is famous for the spices and quality dry fruits which it provides. These are products that everyone cooking enthusiast should have and that they can also be made good gifts.
Characteristics:
Unique Flavors: Kashmiri chili powder is brightly colored and flavorful, as is saffron while dry fruits such as almonds and apricots are world class.
Health Benefits: Kashmiri dry fruits are tasty and contain vitamins which are good for health so they can be eaten as snacks.
Buying Tips:
Freshness Check: Make sure the dry fruits you want to use are fresh and not spoilt. They should be shiny to the touch and carry a natural fragrance.
Reputable Stores: Use standard outlets or local stores to purchase spices and dry fruits to get the best quality products.
Tips for Shopping in Kashmir
- Bargain Wisely: Negotiation is endemic. Treat it with reverence and maybe you will get a much better rate.
- Research Local Markets: Visit places such as Lal Chowk to discover different products depending on their prices.
- Ask About Authenticity: For products like Pashmina and saffron do not shy to ask from the vendor about his products.
Conclusion
Unique products are the specialty of Kashmir. Furthermore, they have a great deal to do with the culture and tradition of the place. For example, the Pashmina shawls, the Kashmiri sarees, the Kashmiri shoes, as well as the Kashmiri cups. Additionally, the Kashmiri carpets and other such products are full of stories. When you take such products home, not only do you have a piece of Kashmir with you, but you are also helping the artisans who sustain these traditional occupations. Have fun shopping and may you enjoy your trip to Kashmir as much as much as you enjoy the shopping.
