In the heart of Shehr-e-Khaas, Srinagar's old city in Kashmir Valley nestled within its labyrinthine alleys and heritage-rich bazaars, lives a man Haji Abdul Rashid dedicated to preserving a fading tradition: The art of traditional soap-making.
For decades, this craftsman has been crafting soaps using ancestral recipes, blending natural oils, herbs, and fragrances into soap-bars that embody the essence of Kashmiri culture.
This soap-making tradition is intertwined with the cultural identity of Shehr-e-Khaas, where handcrafted goods once thrived. However, like many traditional crafts, this art form is under threat due to dwindling demand, rising costs of raw materials, and the lack of younger artisans willing to continue the practice.
(Multimedia Team Suhaib Bhat, Mehroob Mushtaq, Numan Bhat and Syeda Sakeena)
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