While digital transformation and technological innovation dominate the agenda at India’s premier convention, the timeless artistry of Kashmir has emerged as a captivating cultural highlight.
The Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, currently hosting the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), has allocated a vibrant section of its venue to display Kashmir’s exquisite and age-old handicraft traditions.
Curated with precision by SWADESH under the Reliance Foundation, the exhibit is drawing the attention of global delegates. In the midst of conversations about augmented reality and artificial intelligence, visitors are immersing themselves in India’s artisanal legacy.
From May 1 to 4, the summit has attracted over 10,000 delegates, including 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups from 90 countries. Against this backdrop, the Kashmiri crafts exhibition has provided a culturally rich and tactile contrast to the summit’s tech-forward themes.
Delegates from around the world have been found admiring the intricate detailing of Kashmiri carpets and embroidery. One tech executive from Singapore remarked, “I came to explore AI trends but found myself entranced by craftsmanship that predates even electricity.”
A focal point of the display is the majestic Kal Baffi carpets, a tradition introduced to Kashmir in the 15th century by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who brought the art form from Persia. These hand-knotted carpets, known for their density of 250 to 4,600 knots per square inch, are a marvel of precision and artistry.
Visitors are particularly intrigued by the rare ‘Talim’ system—a unique coded language used by master weavers to translate complex designs into handwoven masterpieces. Educational panels detail how a single carpet can take anywhere from six months to several years to complete, often involving a team of weavers working in harmony.
At the heart of the exhibition are works by two master artisans from Srinagar. Muhammad Amin Sheikh, aged 69, showcases carpets with extraordinary knot densities of 500 to 1,600 knots per square inch. With over 40 years of experience, his work is globally celebrated for its technical brilliance and aesthetic finesse, blending Kashmiri landscapes with Persian and Mughal elements.
Nearby, the intricate creations of Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh, 52, bring another perspective. With three decades of experience, his silk and wool carpets reflect a deep connection to Kashmiri tradition and heritage.
The exhibition also highlights Kashmir’s embroidery arts, particularly Aari and Crewel work. Known locally as Aari Kaem, this form of needlework involves meticulous chain stitching using a specialized hooked needle called the ‘Aar’. These techniques are showcased on everything from traditional garments like pherans to modern fashion and home décor, often featuring motifs inspired by Kashmir’s lush natural environment.
One standout contributor is Sahiba Sameer Pandit, an artisan from Guzarbal, Chattabal in Srinagar, who has honed her skills over 18 years, learning from her mother. Her embroidery spans a range of traditional styles including Janwardaar (animal motifs), Poshkaar (floral motifs), Raizkaar (paisley), and calligraphy, all skillfully adapted to modern designs.
Beyond aesthetic appeal, the showcase emphasizes the role of traditional crafts in Kashmir’s economy—supporting local artisans and sustaining generational livelihoods.
For many attending the Global Media Dialogue, which includes participation from ministers of 25 countries and representation from over 60 nations, the Kashmiri craft section serves as a reminder that heritage and innovation can coexist—and even enhance one another.
As WAVES 2025 positions India as a powerhouse in global digital media and entertainment, this exhibition underlines the country’s unique identity—where centuries-old traditions hold their own beside futuristic technologies.
For many delegates, the Kashmiri crafts area has offered more than just a cultural interlude. It has delivered a profound, tactile experience—a connection to human creativity that transcends time and technology.
As the summit concludes, visitors leave not only with visions of India’s digital future but also with the enduring elegance of Kashmiri artistry—silent storytellers of a culture that continues to inspire across continents and generations.
