Kashmir Impulse takes you into the centuries-old Chashm-e-Bulbul weaving tradition, where every thread preserves the artistic and cultural legacy of Jammu and Kashmir’s Pir Panjal region. Syed Rashid Bukhari sends a visual story from Poonch.  

Chashm-e-Bulbul, meaning ‘Eye of the Nightingale,’ is a centuries-old handloom weaving tradition from the Pir Panjal region of Jammu & Kashmir, especially Rajouri. Its distinctive eye-shaped motifs, inspired by the graceful bulbul bird, are woven into warm woollen shawls, lohis and blankets with remarkable precision.

Dating back to the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, the craft reflects a rich blend of Kashmiri, Persian and Central Asian weaving traditions. Later patronised by the Mughals, Chashm-e-Bulbul textiles became prized for their elegance, craftsmanship and timeless geometric beauty.

Today, this rare weaving tradition survives in only a few mountain communities, kept alive by skilled artisans who continue to preserve techniques passed down through generations. Every woven motif is a testament to Jammu and Kashmir’s enduring textile heritage and the resilience of its traditional craftsmanship.

About the Author 

Syed Rashid Bukhari is a photographer and drone operator with a keen eye for detail and a deep-rooted passion for filmmaking and visual storytelling. With years of experience behind the lens, he approaches each frame as a narrative, seeking not just to document, but to evoke.