Like many other crafts, Waguv or reed mat is also vanishing from the cultural heritage of Kashmir. An ancient Kashmiri craft which dates back to the 18th century, it combines reed and rice straw in perfect harmony to create a piece of flooring that provides warmth in winter and a cooling effect in summer. The centuries-old Waguv had a prominent space in every household, whether rich or poor.
Many older people say that sleeping on Waguv can help cure backache, providing natural pain relief and acupuncture, increasing blood flow, and relaxing tense muscles. These grass rugs are durable, and they have a rich texture and a natural tonal variation that is durable yet soft underfoot, which indirectly helps blood circulation. Many claims that these mats can help in fighting Insomnia.
A decade ago, there was a great demand for the reed mats because this was the primary matting that was common in Kashmir. But with the changing needs for modern houses, the traditional Waguv is limited to low-income families in Kashmir.
Once adorning every house in the Valley, these mats have completely gone out of fashion, leaving space for modern, classy furnishings. With every passing year, the demand for these mats is receding fast.
Sadly, hundreds of households are associated with the craft of reed mat weaving, but with the ever-decreasing demand, most have opted for other jobs. With every passing year, the artisans of Waguv are leaving this profession. First, these mats vanished from urban areas and now, they are vanishing from the rural areas of Kashmir as well.
Besides, getting the reed from far-flung areas takes a lot of effort and increases the cost. Earlier, people involved in this craft used to fetch it from nearby lakes such as Anchar and Dal, but there is not much availability now. Our wetlands are vanishing day by day due to the unabated landfilling which has made it difficult to get material for reed mats.
Falling profits are forcing the weavers to abandon this craft and in these inflationary times, they are compelled to do other jobs for better earnings. This sustainable craft is part of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and it should not die a silent death.
Though the government and the concerned handicraft department have taken many initiatives to preserve this vanishing Kashmiri art, it needs greater focus and bigger intervention. The craft of Waguv not only provides livelihood to thousands of people but also has a significant health benefit, especially for those with ortho-related problems. The government needs to up its game to save this craft from dying.