Kathmandu Kicks Off First Pashmina Festival

The inaugural International Pashmina Festival and Exhibition, organized by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, garnered significant consumer attention. The event showcased the delicate, lightweight, and warm natural fiber sourced from the Chyangra or Pashmina goat.

As a leading producer of authentic Pashmina, Nepal highlighted its expertise in traditional weaving techniques, celebrating the craftsmanship and heritage behind this iconic product. The festival also emphasized the global recognition of Nepali Pashmina, particularly the high-quality "Chyangra Pashmina" brand.

Key Highlights of the Festival

Event Overview

Held over three days in Kathmandu, the festival featured more than 150 domestic stalls, including 40 dedicated to showcasing pure Nepali Pashmina.

Pashmina's Heritage

Authentic Pashmina is hand-combed from the undercoat of Chyangra goats during their natural shedding season. It is hand-spun, traditionally woven, dyed with natural dyes, and often adorned with intricate embroidery.

Global Recognition

Nepali Pashmina, marketed under the name "Chyangra Pashmina" is recognized for its superior quality. It enjoys a strong market presence in countries such as the U.S., Japan, and Europe.

Challenges

The industry faces challenges related to providing raw materials for growing demand and combating competition from cheaper, fake, or blended Pashmina products, which undermine the authenticity of the market.

Government and Industry Collaboration

During the event, Nepal's Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, stressed the need for policy improvements, while Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, called for enhanced cooperation between the government and the private sector.

In Conclusion

The first International Pashmina Festival in Nepal prominently showcased the country's extensive tradition and expertise in producing the internationally acclaimed Chyangra Pashmina. This event recognized the workmanship of this luxurious fabric while also emphasizing the industry's challenges, such as counterfeit products and raw material shortages.
The Pashmina industry in Nepal possesses significant potential for further growth, bolstered by rising global awareness and continued collaboration between the government and industry to address existing difficulties. This celebration signifies achievement in ensuring that Nepali Pashmina retains its prestigious status in the global market.