International Pashmina Festival

Why in News?

The Nepal Pashmina Industry Association and the Confederation of Nepali Industries organised the first three-day International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition.

Key Points:

• The event was aimed at showcasing the uniqueness, quality and traditional handicraft of Nepali pashmina on a global platform.
• The festival was attended by artisans, traders and buyers associated with the pashmina industry.
• The exhibition included more than 150 domestic stalls, out of which more than 40 stalls were dedicated to pure Nepali pashmina.
• Nepal is known for its authentic pashmina products.
• It is branded as “Chyangra Pashmina”, which signifies its high quality and originality.

Importance and Features of Pashmina:

• It enjoys immense popularity across the world due to its softness, warmth and intricate handmade designs.
• Wool obtained from the undercoat of Pashmina goat is one of the most delicate and lightest natural fibers in the world.
• Its thickness is 12-16 microns, which is thinner than human hair.
• It is eight times warmer than normal wool.
• Despite being extremely light, it is effective in protecting from cold.

Pashmina production in India:

• Pashmina production in India takes place mainly in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir.
• High quality pashmina is made from wool obtained from Changthangi (Chyangra) goats found in the cold high altitude areas here.
• Major production centres:
  • Srinagar: Famous for Kashmiri pashmina shawls
  • Ladakh: Major source of raw pashmina wool
  • Jammu: Centre of pashmina processing and marketing
• Machine woven pashmina products are mainly manufactured in Amritsar.
• Pashmina blended wool is used here.