Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 2: Traditional hand dyeing which has a history of 600 years is dying a slow death in Kashmir as none is interested to take up the art.
Ashiq Hussian Posh (52), an artist from Naid Kadal Rangar Masjid Srinagar said that his family has been associated with the art of dyeing for the last 100 years. He said they were dyeing silk and woollen yarn.
“We are earning our livelihood very well through this trade. But new generation, including my children, are not ready to take up this as their profession,” he said.
According to Posh, his son who completed masters has refused to follow his father.
Tariq Ahmad Posh (40) another dyeing artist said that after finishing graduation, he got a job opportunity in a bank but he refused to join and started learning dyeing art. “I am earning my livelihood decently,” he said.
Both Ashiq and Tariq said that if the new generation will learn the art, they can earn a livelihood there too. “But none is interested and we are worried it may die its own death,” he added.
