Pondicherry has added yet another Kashmiri store to its map, and here’s why you might want to pay a visit
Pondicherry has always been home to artists, designers and those with an aesthetic and utilitarian perspective. Their stores are unusual as are their products. So what does a Kashmiri store have to add to this cultural cauldron? With the French quarter already featuring more than 15 Kashmiri stores, Elegance on Labourdonnais Street is the latest, having launched last October. Featuring handicrafts, antiques, paper products, artwork and jewellery sourced from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh and other states in the North, the store has been set up by Nawaz Khan and Gr Wali.
“We also retail and export hand-knotted carpets and shawls made of pashmina and silk.” The sherwani collection, made from raw silk, has Kashmiri embroidery, zari and silk thread, and there is a striking jewellery line in silver and gold. The idea is to promote handmade products and craftsmen across the country. Details: elegancepondy@aol.com
The Others
Kashmir Crafts, Ambour Salai, specializes in pashmina shawls. There are also pure wool shawl or raffal, with different counts of yarn – 40, 60, 80 etc. Woolen shawls mixed with pashmina are available for Rs.800 and are popular. Details: 04132338443
Ali Baba, another Kashmiri store, is known for silver jewellery, gems, shawls, pashmina, bed covers, and bronze statues. Pricing from Rs.500. Details: 9500319876
Other popular Kashmiri shops include Boutique de Kashmir and Indian Boutique, both famous with tourists and for their ethnic statues and silver jewellery.
Slice of Life 