H&H Jammu hosts Workshop on Natural Dyeing of Wool, Allied products

Category: DYES AND CHEMICALS

Country: India

Region: South Asia

By RK News
Published: 07th December, 2025
Last updated: 08th December, 2025 19:02

Jammu, Dec 06: The Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom (H&H) Jammu on Saturday organised a highly engaging and knowledge- enriching One Day Natural Dyeing Workshop under the Integrated Wool Development Programme of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

According to a statement issued here, the event was held under the overall guidance of Commissioner Industries & Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh and under the leadership of Director Handicrafts & Handloom Jammu, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh.

Related info: Watch video of Commissioner Mr. Vikramjit SIngh here.

At the onset of the programme, Assistant Director Rupali Mahajan formally welcomed the participants and introduced the theme of the workshop, highlighting the growing global relevance of natural, eco-friendly textile processes. She emphasised how sustainable dyeing methods not only support environmental conservation but also significantly enhance the quality, value and marketability of wool-based handloom products produced across Jammu & Kashmir.

The workshop highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the handloom sector in Jammu & Kashmir, where weaving is deeply embedded in the social fabric.

One of the most captivating components of the programme was the session conducted by the female resource person from Ladakh, who brought with her a rich repository of traditional knowledge.

Ladakh has a long-standing heritage of natural dyeing, with communities using locally found natural materials-plant roots, bark, wild herbs, flowers, onion peels, and walnut shells-to colour wool and Pashmina. She explained the significance of mordants, soaking duration, heat variations and dye-bath preparation with remarkable clarity. Her demonstrations helped participants understand how subtle changes in natural ingredients can produce multiple shades, and her insights fascinated the 150 weavers who had travelled from districts including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch.

The resource person from the Weavers’ Service Centre further enhanced the learning experience by presenting the scientific side of natural dyeing. He explained fibre chemistry, colour fastness, dye penetration and how natural dyes can be integrated into larger-scale production.

The live demonstration segment brought the workshop to life. Using readily available materials such as haldi, beetroot, tea, coffee, flower petals and walnut shells, the experts showcased a wide variety of shades achievable through natural dyeing. Rich yellows from haldi, rose-pink tones from beetroot, deep browns from tea and coffee, and earthy hues from plant matter were produced on wool through step- by-step demonstrations. Participants observed how dye concentration, duration of boiling, and use of mordants influenced the resulting colours.

Throughout the workshop, the atmosphere remained vibrant and interactive. Weavers recorded videos, took notes, and continuously asked questions, engaging enthusiastically with the resource persons to deepen their understanding. Officers from the department- including Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, District Officers, Assistant Directors and officials from various wings-were present, interacting with artisans and encouraging their participation.

Courtesy: risingkashmir.com