Namda is not just a simple piece of flooring for rooms but a thing that represents in a way soul and heritage of Kashmir.
This great piece of art Namda was introduced by the respected and adored Sufi saint Shah-e-Hamdan to Kashmiris.
As a matter of fact, Namda is a type of traditional Kashmiri felted carpet that is created using sheep wool and has colourful hand embroidery. The distinct feature of this Kashmiri craft is that wool is felted and not woven.
Namda had for sometime gone into oblivion.
With era and age becoming modern and the Kashmiri Handicrafts also going in backdrop Namda is back to focus. This positive development is not just a great development for Namda traders but all the people of Kashmir.
We need to bear in mind that Namda imaking is historic in many senses as it is a household craft practised primarily by the Muslim community and passed on from one generation to another. In Kashmir, namdas are used as mattresses and floor coverings as they are warm and cater to extreme cold weather conditions.
The process of Namda making is unique . Namda is made by felting of wool rather than weaving it. The process is a very interesting one. Wool is spread evenly in a thick layer on a grass mat or jute mat and sprinkled generously with soap water. Wool used here might be white or dyed.
Even the great leader of country Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized importance of Namda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Kashmiri artisans for their efforts in reviving the Namda craft as the first batch of Namda art products has been successfully exported to different countries .
The resurgence of Namda is a great sign and happy news for all of us.
