Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme, lauded the revival of Kashmir’s traditional ‘Vaghu’ mat, a centuries-old eco-friendly craft that symbolizes the Valley’s culture. The mat, crafted from reeds and paddy straw, involves a meticulous process starting from harvesting materials in Kashmir’s marshy regions to hand-weaving, taking about four days for two artisans to complete a single mat.
PM Modi highlighted the unique features of the ‘Vaghu’ mat, emphasizing its eco-friendliness and ability to provide coolness in summer and warmth in winter. He praised a father-daughter duo from Srinagar, Ghulam Hussain and Tanzila, for their dedication to reviving this craft, despite facing challenges. Ghulam Hussain’s efforts, supported by the local government, have led to the craft’s resurgence, gaining popularity nationwide.
Encouraging the promotion of local products, PM Modi urged people to consider incorporating Kashmir’s ‘Vaghu’ mat into their homes, aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative that emphasizes supporting indigenous crafts and products.
