Winter Chill Fuels Pheran Revival Across Kashmir Handcrafted Pheran gains national appeal As the biting cold tightens its grip across Kashmir, the demand for the centuries-old traditional attire—the Pheran—has witnessed a remarkable surge, not only in local markets but also across various parts of the country. Long regarded as an essential winter garment, the Pheran has today emerged as a powerful symbol of Kashmiri identity, cultural pride, and skilled craftsmanship, with growing appreciation far beyond the region. With sub-zero temperatures becoming a daily reality, markets across Kashmir are bustling with customers seeking warm, handcrafted Pherans, especially those embellished with traditional embroidery such as Tila, Aari, and Sozni work. What was once perceived as a purely traditional winter wear has now evolved into a fashionable ethnic outfit, embraced by people from diverse regions who proudly don the Pheran for both its warmth and cultural elegance. Artisans from different districts of Bandipora say that winter remains the peak season for Pheran sales, particularly for handmade pieces that reflect fine craftsmanship. Humaira, an artisan engaged in Tila and Aari embroidery, said that the demand for handworked Pherans has increased significantly in recent years. Women artisans across Bandipora are playing a vital role in sustaining this heritage. Afroza Begum, 34, who works at a private handicrafts centre, said that the demand for handmade Pherans and shawls is no longer limited to Kashmir. “Our products are reaching outside markets as well. Each Pheran is made from wool, often sourced locally, spun by hand, and later embroidered with Aari or Tila work. This makes every piece unique,” she explained. “The Pheran defines who we are as Kashmiris. The creativity introduced by young artisans has given it a new life and appeal,” she said, stressing that preserving tradition should go beyond symbolic celebrations. “Wearing a Pheran only on Pheran Day is not enough. If we truly want to protect our culture, we must regularly support local artisans and choose handmade products so that this tradition does not disappear,” she added. Handicraft centre owners across Kashmir report a steady rise in orders from metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and other parts of the country. Ab.Rouf, who runs a traditional handicrafts centre, said his unit employs dozens of artisans, including master craftsmen, who produce Pherans and shawls primarily from locally sourced wool. “We mostly work on advance orders coming from outside Kashmir. The demand has increased significantly over the past few years,” he said, adding that silk and cotton-based traditional products are also made for local consumption. “Pheran is a traditional product of Kashmir, but today it is being appreciated across the country. This year alone, we have dispatched hundreds of metres of Pheran fabric to outside markets, and the demand is expected to grow further,” he said. Rouf noted that while traditional Pherans were earlier limited to black and white colours, artisans have adapted to changing tastes without compromising authenticity. “We have introduced new colours while retaining the original essence of the Pheran. These colourful designs have attracted customers both within Kashmir and outside,” he explained. He also highlighted that government support has helped revive interest among artisans who had earlier abandoned the craft in search of daily wage labour. “Many artisans are returning to this work, and a large number of young girls are now actively involved, which is crucial for carrying this tradition forward,” he said.