The first three-day International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition organised by Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries has drawn the attention of consumers towards delicate, lightweight and warm natural fibre obtained from Chyangra or Pashmina goat. Nepal is one of the prominent producers of authentic Pashmina, often branded as “Chyangra Pashmina” to emphasise its high quality and originality. The production involves traditional weaving methods passed down for generations. In Nepal, genuine Pashmina is often branded as Chyangra Pashmina with a government-certified label.
The wool is combed by hand from the undercoat of Pashmina goats during their natural shedding season. The wool is cleaned of impurities and hand-spun into fine threads. Expert artisans use traditional handlooms to create the fabric. Natural dyes are used to colour the fabric, and intricate embroidery is often added for embellishment. The exhibition, which will run until January 25 showcases Over 150 domestic stalls, with more than 40 stalls showcasing pure Nepali Pashmina.
During the inauguration of the first-ever Pashmina fair held in Nepal, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari said that the Nepali Pashmina has made its identity in the international arena competing with countries like China and Mongolia, which is the identity of Nepal. Nepali Pashmina has a good market in different countries including America and Japan as well as in Europe. There is a challenge to provide raw materials to strengthen the additional market of the Nepali Pashmina. There is a need for policy-level improvement for which the government of Nepal is working. Similarly, the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Dhakal, pointed out the need for collaboration between the government and private sector for the market of Nepali products at home and abroad, saying there is no compromise in the quality of Nepali products.
In India, Pashmina products are created in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir while machine-woven is manufactured in Amritsar and has gained immense popularity worldwide for its softness, warmth, and intricate handwoven designs. The market for Pashmina products faces challenges due to fake and blended pashmina available at cheap rates.
