Falak Bilal
Srinagar, Mar 27: In the winding lanes around the historic Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar, where spirituality and craftsmanship have coexisted for centuries, a small soap shop continues to preserve a lesser-known yet deeply rooted tradition of Kashmir’s artisanal heritage.
“This work is not just about making soap,” Rashid says, gently arranging freshly prepared blocks to dry. “It is about continuing what our elders started. It is a responsibility.”
“Earlier, people depended on natural and locally made products,” he recalls. “There were very few alternatives, and our soap was used in almost every home.”
Today, despite sweeping changes in consumer habits and the influx of mass-produced brands, the shop continues to attract a loyal base of customers who value authenticity and familiarity.
A Soap with Many Uses
Unlike modern cosmetic soaps, the traditional Kashmiri soap produced here serves multiple purposes. Apart from daily washing needs, it is widely used in namda making — the centuries-old craft of felted rugs for which Kashmir is known.
“In namda work, this soap plays a very important role,” Rashid explains. “Even today, artisans prefer it because they trust its quality. It helps in the felting process and gives better results.”
The shop also produces specialised varieties such as dandruff-control soap and heavy-duty washing soap, catering to both rural customers and urban households.
Rashid points out that the economics of the trade have changed significantly over time.
“When I started, Kashmiri soap was sold at around ₹30 per kilogram,” he says. “Now the price has reached nearly ₹150. Costs of raw materials and labour have increased, but we try to keep it affordable so people can continue using it.”
Despite the price rise, he notes, customer trust has remained largely intact. Many buyers still prefer the handmade product over industrial alternatives, drawn by its simplicity and perceived effectiveness.
However, sustaining the craft has become increasingly difficult in a market dominated by aggressive advertising, attractive packaging, and instant consumer gratification.
“In today’s world, people are influenced by brands and quick results,” Rashid observes. “Traditional products do not always get the same attention, even though they have their own value.”
Like many heritage occupations in Kashmir, soap-making faces the challenge of generational transition. Rashid admits that younger family members are reluctant to join the trade due to uncertain financial returns and the physically demanding nature of the work.
“It requires patience and hard work,” he says. “But the income is not always stable. That is why the younger generation looks for different opportunities.”
Cultural experts believe that such traditional enterprises represent more than economic activity — they form an essential part of Kashmir’s social and historical identity. In areas surrounding Khanqah-e-Moula, artisanal trades once flourished under the influence of spiritual leaders who encouraged self-reliance and skill-based livelihoods.
Today, the survival of these crafts depends not only on the dedication of individual artisans but also on broader efforts such as awareness campaigns, institutional support, and improved market access.
Holding on to Heritage
For Rashid, however, the motivation remains deeply personal.
“As long as I can work, I will keep this shop open,” he says with quiet determination. “This place holds memories of my elders and the trust of our customers. Closing it would feel like losing a part of our identity.”
As evening descends on the old city and the call to prayer echoes through the narrow streets, the soap-maker begins to wrap up his day’s work. The fragrance of freshly made soap lingers in the air — a subtle yet powerful reminder that Kashmir’s heritage often survives not in grand monuments, but in the humble perseverance of those who refuse to let tradition fade
