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At the onset of the programme, Assistant Director Rupali Mahajan formally welcomed the participants and introduced the theme of the workshop, highlighting the growing global relevance of natural, eco-friendly textile processes. She emphasised how sustainable dyeing methods not only support environmental conservation but also significantly enhance the quality, value and marketability of wool-based handloom products produced across Jammu & Kashmir.
The workshop highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the handloom sector in Jammu & Kashmir, where weaving is deeply embedded in the social fabric. One of the most captivating components of the programme was the session conducted by the female resource person from Ladakh, who brought with her a rich repository of traditional knowledge.
Ladakh has a long-standing heritage of natural dyeing, with communities using locally found natural materials-plant roots, bark, wild herbs, flowers, onion peels, and walnut shells-to colour wool and Pashmina. She explained the significance of mordants, soaking duration, heat variations and dye-bath preparation with remarkable clarity. Her demonstrations helped participants understand how subtle changes in natural ingredients can produce multiple shades, and her insights fascinated the 150 weavers who had travelled from districts including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch.
The resource person from the Weavers' Service Centre further enhanced the learning experience by presenting the scientific side of natural dyeing. He explained fibre chemistry, colour fastness, dye penetration and how natural dyes can be integrated into larger-scale production.
The live demonstration segment brought the workshop to life. Using readily available materials such as haldi, beetroot, tea, coffee, flower petals and walnut shells, the experts showcased a wide variety of shades achievable through natural dyeing. Rich yellows from haldi, rose-pink tones from beetroot, deep browns from tea and coffee, and earthy hues from plant matter were produced on wool through step- by-step demonstrations. Participants observed how dye concentration, duration of boiling, and use of mordants influenced the resulting colours
Throughout the workshop, the atmosphere remained vibrant and interactive. Weavers recorded videos, took notes, and continuously asked questions, engaging enthusiastically with the resource persons to deepen their understanding. Officers from the department- including Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, District Officers, Assistant Directors and officials from various wings-were present, interacting with artisans and encouraging their participation.
In the concluding address, the Director Handicrafts & Handloom appreciated the energy and involvement of the artisans. He acknowledged the valuable contributions of the resource persons and the organising team and remarked: "Natural dyeing represents the future of sustainable craft development. Our artisans must preserve traditional wisdom while adapting it to modern market needs. The department will continue organising such workshops to ensure continuous upskilling, exposure and innovation in the handloom sector.
The One Day Natural Dyeing Workshop emerged as a landmark initiative for the handloom sector in Jammu & Kashmir. By combining traditional wisdom from Ladakh, scientific guidance from the Weavers' Service Centre, practical demonstrations and strong departmental support, the programme successfully reinforced the Directorate's mission of preserving heritage crafts while empowering artisans through eco-friendly, innovative and market-driven approaches. The day ended with a collective sense of learning, satisfaction and a renewed commitment to elevating the future of wool and handloom in the region.