A Charming Gift of Kashmir: Kashida Embroidery

By Aditi Chaurasia

Kashida — also known as Kasida — is one of the oldest forms of embroidery, originating in the scenic land of Jammu and Kashmir. Beautiful motifs like leaves, flowers, vines, birds and butterflies are worked onto generally black or white plain cloth with multi-coloured threads and beads. As Firdaus said, “If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here” — and the alluring handicrafts of Kashmir are as breathtaking as its valleys and mountains. Kashida has travelled a long journey from Kashmir into everyday wardrobes, helped along by the Bollywood film Kashmir ki Kali and by designers like Manish Malhotra.

Origins of this gorgeous embroidery

This beautiful embroidery has its roots in the Mughal period — royalty and beauty are its inheritance. The intricate needlework was webbed into an impressive maze of creativity, using a wide spread of colours and patterns that intertwined the mood of the craftsmen with the essence of pure nature, all through one or two unique styles of embroidery stitching.

An array of clothing

Shawls

Shawls were the starting point from where this embroidery began. Women love pairing a glamorous embroidered shawl with a plain suit for an elegant, classy look; the varied colours and thread work add a chic, fresh touch to a dull day.

Sarees and suits

A Kashida-embroidered saree or suit is one of the most beautiful forms of garment decor. The fall of the saree or the pallu becomes an essential component when decorated by Kashmiri craftsmen. On a kurta, the front and sleeves are the parts highlighted by this embroidery, so those components should be shown off the most.

Jackets

Jackets are becoming new favourites in fashion, and Kashida craftsmen haven’t missed the chance to decorate them. Their pretty embroidery has elevated trend-driven jackets, proving this craft can make almost anything more beautiful than its original version.

Bridal lehengas

Motifs inspired by the natural beauty of ‘heaven on earth’, decorated with beads and craftsmanship, make beautiful attire for brides. Kashida is becoming a new trend in bridal wear for its irresistible beauty and bewitching designs.

Cushion covers and bedspreads

Kashida isn’t limited to garments — it decorates our homes too. Markets are flooded with stunning bedspreads, cushion covers and more, all carrying Kashida embroidery.

Potlis

These new arm candies are becoming a fashion trend and complement a variety of outfits. Decorated with charming Kashida embroidery, these cute little potlis are easy to swoon over.

Accessorising the embroidery

Accessories blend in well with Kashida-embroidered attire. A standalone embroidery in itself, it’s complemented splendidly by the right pieces — heavy silver jewellery works perfectly, but pearl-beaded jewellery is always the best choice, enhancing the beauty while maintaining the glamorous ethnicity of the whole look. Kashida pairs naturally with sibling crafts like Kasuti embroidery.

Global influence

International markets welcome this beautifully crafted embroidery with open arms. People globally recognise and appreciate the beauty and hard work behind Kashida — it can be crafted on any fabric, in any colour with contrasting or darker shades, and is accepted worldwide because it works in any season. This gem has cultural relevance while contributing significantly to a fast-evolving fashion industry. With its roots in tradition, this breathtaking embroidery has never lost its charm, and never will.