Design Your Own Pashmina? 216 Most Correct Answers

Do goats die for pashmina? Are goats being killed for cashmere? Is Pashmina Banned? These are some common questions that customers ask all the time. These are responsible citizens of the planet and abhor cruelty to animals. This section of society isn’t necessarily vegan, but doesn’t want to be wrapped up in something that has contributed to the killing or harming of a living being. But the answer to all of these questions is a simple NO. Pashmina is cruelty free, animals are not killed for pashmina and therefore pashmina is not prohibited. To find out why this type of wool is banned, today we’re going to dive deep into how pashmina is made and see for ourselves why pashmina is cruelty-free and actually ethical.

What is pashmina?

Pashmina is the art of transforming cashmere wool into luxurious wrap accessories. This raw cashmere is purchased in Ladakh in a region called Changthang. On the Changthang Plateau there is a special kind of goat that was called Changthangi goat or Changpa goat (their herdsmen are called Changpa) or Pashmina goat. To survive the harsh climate that this region experiences (a temperature of -40 degrees Celsius in winter). Nature has given the goat protection. This protection consists of exceptionally warm wool, which grows as down fibers on the body (stomach, neck and some sensitive areas). The wool is so warm that the goat can move freely even in the freezing cold.

Pashmina shawl in reversible or do-rukha pattern

As soon as summer comes, the goat gets too restless. It therefore rubs rough surfaces to get rid of it, which gets the job done, but not to its satisfaction. Herders, seeing the goat’s discomfort, immediately call professionals who come to the goat’s rescue. Using special tools, professionals gently comb the wool from the goat’s body and free it. This wool is fine cashmere and when processed into pashmina shawls, stoles, scarves and even clothing.

Processing of cashmere – raw wool

Raw wool is sent to Kashmir, where women take a few pieces home and spin them over a wooden spinning wheel called a yinder. This turns the lump of wool into fine cashmere threads, each only 12-16 microns in diameter. These threads are passed to male weavers, who weave them by hand into shawls, shawls, and stoles. There is minimal waste, the processes are all manual and the end product lasts a lifetime.

The process of obtaining wool from pashmina goats is not cruel as we can see. So the animals are not killed for pashmina. Only the wool is separated from her body by gently combing it. This portion was definitely left on the body after the goat tried its best to get rid of it naturally. The hair is not plucked or even shaved. It is removed gently and no pain is caused to the animal. Pashmina is cruelty free. And so pashmina is not forbidden. In fact, it is sold under state and central government supervision. Pashmina making is an important livelihood for underprivileged families in the Changthang region. And any cruelty to the pashmina goat directly impacts families’ livelihoods.

However, there is something that is forbidden. There is a kind of wool that is cruel. There is a type of wool where the animal from which it comes is killed.

Also Read: What is Real Cashmere?

Shahtoosh wool

Shahtoosh literally comes from two terms, “shah” meaning “king” and “toosh” meaning “wool”. It is actually the king of all types of wool. It comes from the fine hair of the Tibetan antelope and is the finest and one of the most expensive types of wool in the world. But even after being an ideal winter coat, shahtoosh is forbidden; Its possession and sale are illegal in most countries. The reason for the ban is the animal it came from. Chiru is an endangered species under CITES.

Chiru goats or the Tibetan antelope

Living in one of the most rigid and harsh environments on earth, the Tibetan antelope can be found at altitudes of over 5,000 meters. But similar to pashmina, a special type of down fur that is lightweight and overly warm allows them to survive in frigid conditions. Chiru goats are migratory animals that migrate to Tibet from Mongolia and gather on the plateau once a year. It is this part of their movement where nomads await their appearance each year. These nomads hunted the antelope for its skin, meat, horns and chiefly the fur – shahtoosh

Chiru – the Tibetan antelope

The shahtoosh shawl has existed since the time of King Akbar. Under his rule, it was considered the warmest and most luxurious piece of fabric. It was so soft it would fit through a finger ring. which earned him the name “finger scarf”. Shahtoosh was naturally colored and people preferred it that way without the urge to dye it in lighter shades.

Hence we see that it is shahtoosh wool that is banned because it leads to animal cruelty. The Tibetan antelope is killed, and the nomads who do so take their horns as trophies for themselves as a token of pride at having hunted a chiru. Conservationists argue that even if it were possible to extract the wool without actually killing the animals, ripping off their protective covering is tantamount to “cruelty” since the covering protects them from the biting cold of the Tibetan Plateau.

Nonetheless, the shahtoosh trade was banned worldwide in 1975 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), granting the antelope the highest level of protection. Otherwise, three to four Chiru goats would be killed to make a shawl that would reportedly sell for $1000 to $5000 and sometimes as much as $20,000 in the international market. An adult animal provides about 125-150 g of wool. Unfortunately, some traders still trade Shahtoosh cloths. They manage to secretly sell it to irresponsible customers who demand the same thing just to show off.

Pashmina is not prohibited

For pashmina, the story is different. First, pashmina goats are domestic and not wild. Therefore, shepherds do not have to kill them, but simply hold them during the hair removal process. Second, around April, the hair is partially removed by the goat itself and completely by professionals. During this period, the temperature has already risen, and the goat does not need shelter, since the winters are over. Pashmina is anything but cruel. These goats are the only livelihood for the Changpa nomads. So the animals are not killed for pashmina.

The Changthang goat

Pashmina is not and never has been banned. It is openly sold around the world. But it has been confused with the shahtoosh shawls as both are called cashmere shawls. But pashmina is ethical, sustainable and of course the most beautiful creation of human hands. It simply lends grace to the wearer and covers them with exceptional comfort.

For years there has been a general doubt as to whether there is a difference between pashmina and cashmere. Since owing the pashmina is an expensive affair, the customer gets a proper settlement before making any investment. Searching the Internet, you may come across different ideologies. Because the material itself is so old, a lot of folklore has mingled with the fact. From colloquialism to literature, we get to know this royal wool accessory.

To know if there is a difference between cashmere and pashmina, you have to look back in history. A timeline of the material eliminates any confusion and gives you an idea of ​​the chronology.

How did it start?

Wool shawls have been the representation of royalty since the Mahenjo-Daro civilization of the Indus Valley. You can see the depiction of cashmere-made woolen shawls in 3rd-century BC Afghan texts. Preserved. The Kashmir wool industry was established by the ruler Zayn-ul-Abidin in the 15th century after he brought Persian weavers there. Even the word pashmina comes from the Persian word pashm, which means wool.

What is unique about this wool industry is that instead of sheep’s wool, the artisans collect the fibers from goats from the Himalayan valley. When the Europeans first experienced this material in Kashmir, they coined the word cashmere from there.

So we can say that cashmere is something the western world can recognize, where pashmina is the local term for the same material.

Is there actually a difference between cashmere and pashmina?

Although we mostly use the words cashmere and pashmina interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between these two. For this we need to know how the wool for the cashmere scarves is obtained so that we can get a clear picture of it.

Unlike other wool that comes from sheep, cashmere is made from the hair of goats. There are different breeds of Himalayan goats like Malra breed from Kargil region (India), Changthangi goat from Changthang plateau of Ladakh region (India), Chegu goat from Himachal Pradesh (India) and the Chyangara from Nepal. There are also subspecies of the goat in Tibet, China and Magnolia. All these goats can be found more than 4000 meters above sea level.

Also Read: Himalayan Scarves – Everything You Should Know About

The wool is harvested from these goats in the spring when these animals shed their soft undercoat. This hair is collected, separated, cleaned, combed and spun to prepare it for final use.

Now we explain the difference:

It is the goat subspecies that makes the main difference between cashmere and pashmina. Cashmere scarves are made from the wool of Himalayan goats, but pashmina is made exclusively from a specific breed of mountain goat called the Capra Hircus. So we can say that pashmina is a type of cashmere.

Another difference between these two materials is the diameter of the fabric. The pashmina fiber is thinner, namely 10-15 microns, and the basic cashmere fabric is 15-19 microns in diameter. Due to the thin texture of pashmina, it is necessary to hand spin the wool and hand weave it with the utmost care to create beautiful shawls, shawls, throws and capes. On the other hand, cashmere is easier to spin.

If you closely compare these two types of wool, you can see that pashmina is softer compared to cashmere. However, only the experienced and experts in this field can make the distinction.

Which is more expensive – cashmere or pashmina?

If you check the market you will find that pashmina is more expensive than cashmere.

We will discuss the reasons here.

Know the difference between these two luxurious fabrics; we have to start from scratch. Pashmina is a type of cashmere that comes from a specific species of goat while cashmere wool comes from various species of goats that live in the Himalayan region.

There is only one specific type of Changthangi goat in the Ladakh Valley, from which the pashmina wool was curated. On the other hand, the cashmere goats are found in Mongolia, New Zealand and various other Himalayan religions.

If you check the quality of these two materials; Then you will find that pashmina is much softer and warmer than cashmere. While cashmere is also very soft and warm, and more durable than pashmina, the latter is more comfortable to wear. Because of this, pashmina is more expensive than cashmere.

Here are some more detailed descriptions of pashmina and cashmere; so that you have a clear idea of ​​why pashmina is more expensive than cashmere.

Pashmina shawls and shawls are hand-spun according to traditional trends. The artisans of Kashmir still follow the age-old technique of spinning the wool and weaving it only by hand. On the contrary, cashmere is machine-spun.

Authentic pashmina wool is 10-15 microns in diameter while cashmere wool is 15-18 microns. Because of this, pashmina is softer than cashmere.

Pashmina fabric is used for shawls, shawls and blankets, but cashmere is mainly used to make the garments.

bottom line:

We can say that pashmina is the finer version of cashmere. It doesn’t matter, you have a pashmina or cashmere scarf; It is your duty to keep the product safe as both have some exceptional properties that make them some of the most luxurious fabrics in the world. To ensure that you can enjoy this exclusive wool fabric for years to come, you must observe a few basic rules when it comes to care.

Fine pad made of cashmere wool

The Mandala Chandar (circa 1840, detail) is an unusual Kashmir tantric moon shawl (chandar) with a central mandala from which radiate zoomorphic tendrils filled with multicolored millefleurs on a pink ground.

Pashmina ( , also )[1][2][3][4] refers to a fine variety of spun cashmere, the animal hair fiber that makes up the downy undercoat of the Changthangi goat.[5][6] The word pashm means “wool” in Persian, but in Kashmir, pashm referred to the unspun raw wool of domesticated Changthangi goats.[6] In today’s parlance, pashmina can refer either to the material or to the variant of the cashmere scarf made from it.[7] Both generic cashmere and pashmina come from the same goat, but generic cashmere is 12 to 21 microns in diameter, while pashmina refers only to the fibers, which range from 12 to 16 microns.[8]

history [edit]

Samples of wool fibers discovered from corroded Harappan copper artifacts dating back to the Indus Valley civilization are extremely fine, resembling pashmina and shatoosh.[9] The material gained notoriety through its use in cashmere scarves. In the Mughal period, this was used as an indicator of rank and nobility. In 1526, Babur (1483–1530) founded the Mughal Empire in India and instituted the practice of giving members of their durbar khilat (or “robes of honor”, usually of expensive fabric) to indicate high service and great achievement. or royal favor.[10] In his day, the Mughal khilat was a set of clothing items that could include a turban, long coat, dress, fitted jacket, sash, shawl, trousers, shirt, and shawl. Any or all of these could be made of pashmina and embroidered with gold fabric.[11] In 1568 Kashmir was conquered by Babur’s grandson Akbar.[11] In Akbar’s day, a pair of pashmina shawls was an expected part of Khil’at ceremonies.[11] From the 16th to the early 20th century, Iran’s Safavid Emperors, Zand and Qajar also wore pashmina and gave away cashmere shawls as khilat as part of their political and religious practices.

Pashmina blankets were also important additions to a wealthy woman’s dowry in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.[12] In 19th-century English literature, cashmere scarves were coded as a luxury item for women, despite the fact that scarves were worn by men. They gained status as heirlooms worn by a girl upon her marriage and coming of age[13] and as heirlooms that women would inherit rather than buy.[14] Because English law restricted women’s ability to inherit land, the cashmere shawl served as an item of high exchange value for a woman to wear.[14] In France, the pashmina-cashmere shawl achieved fashion icon status through the enthusiastic use of Empress Joséphine.[15] These shawls went well with the French, providing needed warmth and adding visual interest to white French dresses through the traditional buta teardrop pattern and subtle floral motifs.[15] The scarf became a symbol of French civic status from the Bourbon Restoration (1815–48) through the Second French Empire (1852–70). As a class mark, it satisfied 19th-century French tastes because it was rich in appearance, had extensive decoration, had artistic qualities, and was made from expensive raw materials.[11]

production [edit]

Kashmiri man sells a cashmere pashmina shawl at a market in Delhi, India.

Goats used for pashmina shed their winter fur every spring. A goat sheds about 80-170 grams (3-6 ounces) of fiber. In spring (the moulting period) goats naturally shed their undercoat, which grows back in winter. This undercoat is collected by combing the goat, not shearing like other fine wools. A traditional producer of pashmina wool in the Ladakh region of the Himalayas is a people known as Changpa. These are nomadic and inhabit the Changthang Plateau in Tibet, which has a minimum elevation of 13,500 feet (4,100 m) above sea level and a winter temperature that can drop to −40 °C (−40 °F). The Changpa hind sheep in these harsh climates for meat and pashmina goats for wool.[16]

Raw pashmina is exported to Kashmir. All the work steps, from combing (removing impurities and top hair, straightening the fibres) and spinning to weaving and finishing, are traditionally carried out by hand by specialized craftsmen and women. The main center of pashmina fabric production is in the old quarter of the city of Srinagar. The approximate time taken to make a single traditional pashmina stole (70 x 200 cm) is 180 hours.

China accounts for 70% of world cashmere production, Mongolia for 20% and the remaining 10% of production in Afghanistan, Australia, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, the Central Asian republics and elsewhere. Only a small percentage of this production is the ultra-fine cashmere known as pashmina.[17]

Products [ edit ]

Pashmina accessories are known for their softness and warmth. They come in a variety of sizes, from “shawl” 12 in × 60 in (0.30 m × 1.52 m) to “wrap” or “stole” 28 in × 80 in (0.71 m × 2.03 m ).

Raw (left) and depilated (right) cashmere pashmina wool

up to a full-size shawl 0.91 m × 2.03 m (36 in × 80 in), and on rare occasions “macho” 3.7 m × 3.7 m (12 ft × 12 ft). Pure pashmina is a rather wafer-thin, open weave, as the fiber cannot withstand high tension. The most popular pashmina fabric is a blend of 70% pashmina and 30% silk, but 50/50 is also common. The 70/30 is tightly woven, has an elegant sheen and drape, yet is quite soft and light.

A craze for pashmina shawls, known in Kashmiri as shahmina, created a high demand for the raw material in the mid-1990s, with demand outstripping supply. As these shawls rose into the fashion world in this era, they were dubious marketed. In the consumer markets, pashmina shawls have been redefined as a cashmere and cashmere/silk shawl/wrap, regardless of the actual meaning of pashmina. Some shawls marketed as pashmina shawls contain (sheep’s) wool,[18] while other unscrupulous companies market man-made fabrics such as rayon and others as ‘pashmina’ with misleading marketing claims such as ‘authentic rayon pashmina’.

The word “pashmina” is not a legally recognized identifier in the United States, where it is considered another term for cashmere. According to the US Federal Trade Commission:

Some manufacturers use the term pashmina to describe an ultra-fine cashmere fiber; others use the term to describe a blend of cashmere and silk. The FTC encourages manufacturers and sellers of products called pashmina to explain to consumers what they mean by the term, for example on a hang tag.

As with any other wool product, the fiber content of a scarf, neckerchief or other item marketed as pashmina must be accurately declared. For example, a blend of cashmere and silk could be referred to as 50% cashmere, 50% silk or 70% cashmere, 30% silk, depending on the actual percentage of cashmere and silk. If the item contains only cashmere, it should be labeled as 100% pashmina or cashmere only, in accordance with the Wool Act or regulations.[19]

Elegance is the only beauty that never fades… – Audrey Hepburn

THE SAGA

Kashmiri Pashmina is one of the finest and most exquisite fabrics ever made. It has also taken centuries of experimentation and refinement to turn this traditional shawl-making practice from a necessity into a unique textile art.

Pashmina craftsman performing embroidery work on a pashmina shawl

Overall, Kashmir is the only place in the world that produces finely embroidered pashmina shawls.

Despite the upheaval, the art of making the pashmina shawls is unique in Kashmir and is still practiced in the traditional way by local artisans.

Is pashmina expensive?

According to some lovers of this traditional art, pashmina is a bit expensive. To find out if this claim is even true, let’s take you on a pashmina’s journey.

Does his procurement make pashmina expensive?

The Pashm wool comes from the Capra Hircus goat, which is native to the high altitudes of the Himalayan mountains.

Kashmiri Goat: Changthangi or Capra Hircus goats

Every spring they shed their winter fur and it is collected for the weaving process.

A goat only produces about a few grams of pashmina each year. In addition, a single pashmina shawl requires wool from about three goats. Therefore, the exorbitant price becomes obvious.

Does its purity make pashmina expensive?

The test of a quality pashmina was warmth, feel and passing the shawl through a wedding ring.

The ring test

The fineness of pashm wool is between 14-16 microns in contrast to the finest sheep’s wool which is 23 microns. To lift your hair more, human hair is up to 50-70 microns.

Real pashminas feel very soft and warm due to the thickness of the hair. The finer the thread, the more heat it generates. Perhaps this is one more reason to believe that pashmina is expensive.

Also Read: Will Your Pashmina Fit Through a Ring?

THE SKILLED ART

An authentic pashmina is always handmade and hand-embroidered with a very fine thread. Only a talented craftsman can create skillful shawls with intricate work that give pashmina its grace and grandeur. Depending on the work, a single piece of pashmina can take anywhere from a week to a decade to complete. With signature pashmina styles that are unique to us and a myriad of designs created by our industrious weavers, our pashmina collection is worth a look. It offers something unique and successful for every occasion.

How expensive is pashmina?

Aside from not knowing why pashmina is expensive, women often have no idea how expensive pashmina is. Well, the price depends on several factors. Here are some:

Ply: Ply indicates the density of the fiber used. Single layer pashmina shawl would mean using the ground yarn in its only form. Double layer or double layer would indicate that the fiber is doubly twisted. Two layers are more expensive

: Ply indicates the density of the fiber used. Single layer pashmina shawl would mean using the ground yarn in its only form. Double layer or double layer would indicate that the fiber is doubly twisted. Two ends are more expensive Count: Yarn count is a number that indicates how many meters of yarn can be spun per gram. The thicker the yarn, the thinner, the smoother and more elegant the scarf.

: Yarn count is a number that indicates how many meters of yarn can be spun per gram. The thicker the yarn, the thinner, the smoother and more elegant the scarf. Thickness of Fiber: The thickness of the fiber also determines the price of pashmina shawls. The finer the fiber used, the more expensive the scarf will be.

Weaving patterns also determine the price of pashmina shawls. The diamond weave is the most expensive type of shawl in pashmina. This is followed by twill weave and basket weave. Jacquard fabric is also a main style that is usually worn at weddings or special occasions.

How expensive is a pashmina shawl?

A pashmina shawl is worth on average 120 to 300 US dollars (dimension is 200 cm x 35 cm). Cleanliness also matters. This was the price for a 100% pure scarf and not a silk or nylon blend. Unfortunately, many fraudulent sellers have increased prices but sell fake scarves. It is important to ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity. If he can’t produce one, he could be a scammer. Nonetheless, basic scarves range from $120 to $150. If the scarf is patterned, printed or laced, the price goes up. Embroidered scarves could cost as much as $300.

Also read: 7 questions to ask when buying a real pashmina

Two decades ago, pashmina was the ubiquitous choice of most elites. But no one knew that there would be unscrupulous fakes and counterfeit pashminas on the market. As with any other fashion item, if there is a mass production of a product, those who are conscious of their fashion choices do not want to buy it. This is because there would be far too many pieces of the same type. This art of royals is precious. We understand that, that’s why we have unique pieces that you can only find at Pashmina.com. Handwoven, handcrafted from pure Himalayan cashmere, these handkerchiefs are the epitome of authenticity and sheer luxury. And believe us, buying just one product wouldn’t satiate your appetite!

What are pashmina shawls made of?

It is really important to answer this question “What is a pashmina shawl made of?” as it has caused mass confusion among the admirers of pure pashmina shawls. Pashmina shawls are made from cashmere wool, which comes from Ladakh. Here, an exotic, rare goat grows cashmere on its belly to survive freezing cold. This wool is naturally removed from the goat in the summer. It is later cleaned, spun, woven and handcrafted into luxurious pashmina shawls, shawls and other wrap accessories.

But before you spend those dollars buying a pashmina, it’s best to understand how to spot a real one. The question is however

“How to check the original pashmina shawl?”

There are certain characteristics of a pashmina that will help you verify the original pashmina shawl that is authentic and real and not fake. How to spot real pashmina can be a challenge, but following them will save you from owning a counterfeit piece. Here is a list of some of the characteristics of a pure pashmina.

1. Real pashmina is soft

Pashmina fibers are hypoallergenic, which means they will not cause any allergic reactions

This is the first and most basic way to identify pure cashmere. In case your luxury wrap doesn’t feel that soft and itches as soon as you wrap it, you’ve got your hands on a fake! Because pashmina is a hypoallergenic fiber that does not cause allergic reactions. It is generally smooth and soft like butter because it is composed of fine diameter fibers. Also, it’s not straight and uneven, which means the fibers cling to themselves but don’t stick out at all.

2. Real pashmina have a label

Each pashmina cloth is required by law to indicate its quality composition on its label, i.e. its cashmere content.

Your luxury packaging, if genuine, will likely have a label to indicate this. There are times when there is one and yet there is a lack of authenticity. But if there are none at all, that should raise a red flag. At Pashmina.com we are ahead of the curve. We understand how our clients deserve the quality and authenticity they invest in. Therefore each of our pieces comes with a Quality Assurance Certificate from the Crafts Development Institute, Government of India.

3. Real pashmina is not transparent

Hold the luxurious cashmere under a light. If it is transparent then it is not real pashmina because it does not let light through. Also, it’s not shiny at all, so that’s another snag to note. Check out this amazing price for real pashmina shawls.

4. Real pashmina is uneven

A real handmade pashmina will always be this uneven in weave.

You must certainly reckon with a seller if he has sold you fake pashmina for the price you paid. Jokes aside, the texture of your pashmina will only be consistent if it’s machine made or a blended blend rather than pure. An authentic pashmina that has been meticulously handcrafted will have some imperfections as it is made by hand. At Pashmina.com, our artisans work meticulously for days and months to create a masterpiece that is beautiful and flatters your personality and outfit.

5. Original pashmina does not generate static electricity

This may sound strange to you, but it’s the right move! If you rub the fabric, you will know what the animal fibers are made of. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic and polyester generate massive amounts of static electricity and small sparks when rubbed together. In the case of pashmina, none of that happens, so you’d have your proof right there!

6. Original pashmina becomes pill

This is another test that you cannot miss. Pashmina is an animal fiber and will likely pill no matter how hard you try. Pilling can be reduced to a certain extent, but it will not go away completely. If you don’t see any pilling, it means there is some synthetic mixed in.

7. Original pashmina smells burnt

In the test, a tiny edge of a pashmina is burned to check if it’s genuine. You have to be very careful while doing this as you don’t want to burn down this precious piece. Once you’ve lit that junk, pay attention to how it smells and looks. Real pashmina leaves a burnt hair smell and some powdery residue. If it’s a synthetic fiber you may smell burnt leaves and it will burn brighter leaving a small bump.

These are some of the most common and easiest ways to tell if your pashmina is real. These are mostly fail safe and will help with buying the right pashmina and prevent you from being fleeced. phew! Not only does it hurt to lose your money, but you also turn against such beautiful works of art because of an uncomfortable shopping experience.

How to tell if pashmina is real or fake? testing at home

If you already own a pashmina and are in doubt as to whether you have invested in a real pashmina or a fake one, here are some home tests that can prove the originality of your scarf.

burn test

Pick a thread of your pashmina shawl from the fringes. That should be enough for the burn test.

2. Lay this thread on a surface and burn it.

3. Gently smell the burned thread and touch the ashes with your fingers.

4. If you smell like burnt hair and the ash turns to dust, your scarf has a higher chance of being an original. Pashmina shawls are made from natural hair and therefore have the same smell.

5. Post this operation and check the burnt pashmina thread again. If it has taken on a dull appearance, there is a greater chance that it is original.

rub test

Take a corner of the scarf and rub it against its own surface. If your pashmina is fake, it will generate static electricity. That’s what polyester fabric does. Fake pashminas that generate electricity even attract dust particles.

gloss test

Check the surface of your pashmina shawl If the appearance is too shiny, there is a chance that this piece is fake. Pashmina shawls are made from natural fibers and therefore have a matte appearance.

What is faux pashmina?

While a number of fake pashmina copies have filled the markets, one category of the same pashmina is fake. But what is faux pashmina? let’s find out

When the commoners couldn’t afford pashmina shawls, traders started to make fake pashmina shawls and called them by other names. One such type are faux pashmina shawls. These are cheap towels made out of synthetic fibers like viscose. These are super soft and plush like a pashmina shawl but are one of the fake varieties that just feel like pashmina.

Real Pashmina & Pashmina.com

At Pashmina.com, we are one of the world’s largest curators of pure and handcrafted Himalayan cashmere. Each of our pieces embodies the highest level of quality and royalty and will make you feel like no less than nobility yourself. Our selection of shawls, stoles, scarves and hijabs will enchant the world with their beauty and sublime softness. It’s not just the beauty and exquisiteness that we worry about; Credibility distinguishes us from others. Our pieces are first carefully handcrafted using the finest designs and reflect the highest quality of craftsmanship. After this labor of love sees the light of day, it is sent to the Crafts Development Institute of the Ministry of Textiles as part of the Indian government for quality assurance, which certifies every pashmina. After all, you deserve a product as warm and genuine as you are!

Discover the entire range now..

Quality.

This is the quality of workmanship, the quality of high-quality raw materials and the quality of higher technology. A regular TV is made by many local manufacturers; HD TVs are made by brands like Samsung, Sony and LG. Who has heard of companies like JVC, Akkai and Iwaki? Because smart TVs, HD TVs, Blu-ray TVs are at the top of the food chain. What is the difference between a Nokia 6600, Moto Razr and an Apple iPhone? What is the difference between producing garments in Italian factories like Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana and producing them in factories in China?

Quality.

The same difference exists between a shawl and a pashmina shawl or a cashmere shawl. Both pashmina and cashmere refer to the same wool quality, however pashmina is the colloquial Indian word while cashmere is the anglicized word. Shawls can be made from wool, silk, and even blends of viscose, polyester, and acrylic.

However, only the finest wool yarns sourced from the underbelly of the Changthangi breed of goats, also known as Pashmina goats, are now categorized as Pashmina wool. This in turn has technical reasons, mainly that only the wool of these goats has a micron thickness of 12-15 microns. For comparison, the hair on our heads is 100 microns thick, and merino wool from Merino sheep (the most common wool) is 24 to 30 microns thick.

Pashmina is an art that originated in Kashmir. This art has been perfected by local artisans for centuries. Processing fine cashmere to create pashmina shawls takes hard work, meticulous effort and immense patience, and this is exactly what artisans demonstrate.

What is pashmina?

Pashmina is the art of handcrafting luxurious shawls, shawls, scarves and stoles – from fine cashmere. The finest raw cashmere is sourced from Ladakh and processed in cashmere, where highly qualified craftsmen await this extremely fine wool variant.

History of Pashmina Shawls in Kashmir

In the 16th century, a saint named Shah E Hamdan traveled from Persia to Kashmir to preach religious sermons. It was he who first discovered Raw Cashmere in Ladakh. Seeing its softness and smooth texture, Shah E Hamdan ordered socks to be made from this wool. The socks proved luxurious and were presented to Zain ul Abideen, the then King of Kashmir. He too was so impressed that he ordered Kashmir processing plants to be installed in Kashmir. Also, Persian artisans were instructed to train local people in cashmere spinning and weaving, and so it all started from that moment. Later people from all over the world visited Kashmir. A majority of Europeans visited Kashmir regularly, and later pashmina shawls were exported to European countries in large quantities.

Also Read: What’s So Special About Pashmina Shawls?

What does the word “pashmina” mean?

The word pashmina comes from “pashm”. Pashm is a Persian word that literally means “soft gold”. In cashmere, pashmina is the art of transforming soft cashmere wool into luxurious shawls, stoles or wearable accessories.

What are pashmina shawls made of?

raw cashmere

Pashmina shawls are made from the finest cashmere wool, which comes from Ladakh. The Changthang region of Ladakh is home to an exotic species of goat that grows cashmere for its down fiber. This down fiber is harvested in the summer season and processed into pashmina products.

How is pashmina made?

Above the mighty Himalayas, the Capra Hircus goat can be found in Changthang, Ladakh. For this reason, it is also known as the Changthangi goat. The goat can survive in any place in Ladakh. But those found above 14000 feet are the ones that survive and grow cashmere. The growth of this fine and ultra-smooth wool is an adaptive response to the harsh terrain where winter temperatures drop to -40 degrees. Raw cashmere has a unique sheen and fine fibers are only 12-16 microns in diameter. Note that human hair has an average diameter of 50 microns and that makes cashmere about 1/4 of a human hair!

Changthangi goat in Ladakh

The finest cashmere comes from Changthang, Ladakh, where nomadic Buddhist herders (known as Changpas) raise goats. They collect cashmere by professionally combing the goats in late spring and early summer when the goats are moulting. It should be noted that goats are not shorn but combed to avoid fiber breakage and to preserve fiber length. Consequently, cashmere is brought to Srinagar for processing in the last days of summer.

Processing of cashmere (manufacture of pashmina shawls)

The art of pashmina making is ancient. But it hardly matters to Kashmiri artisans, who have long been perfecting it. Due to the extremely fragile nature of the cashmere fiber, cashmere artisans and women have always preferred to work it by hand. Stress from a machine would break the fiber and it would lose its distinctive nature. Once Kashmir reaches Srinagar, it is greeted by the women who begin cleaning. Cleaning is done by hand and any foreign particles stuck to the fiber are removed. Then it is placed in a container filled with rice powder. In this way it gains strength and shine.

After three days, cashmere is removed from this mixture and thoroughly cleaned. Now it is sent to craftsmen who await its arrival to spin it. Spinning is done on a wooden spinning wheel locally called a “yinder”. When spinning, clumps of wool become fine threads. As long threads come out of the spinning wheel, they are handed over to hand weavers who transform them into luxurious pashminas, stoles, hijabs, shawls and clothing.

Artisan hand embroidering a pashmina shawl

It takes about 4-5 days to finish a two meter long cloth. It’s still in its solid form. Next it is necessary to embroider (if desired). There are mainly three types of embroidery designs in pashmina. Fine thread and needle embroidery called Sozni, thick thread and needle embroidery called Papier Mache embroidery and metal thread embroidery called Tilla embroidery.

Purity of pashmina shawls

Unlike hand-spun pashmina, many merchants often deal in machine-spun yarn. In such cases cashmere is spun in machines. However, the machine spinning process requires the yarn to be strengthened by the addition of chemicals. This in turn changes the characteristic nature of the fiber. Therefore, such pashmina shawls are not as soft and have less durability.

Hand spinning of cashmere

The manual processing of cashmere results in extra fine, smooth and warm pashmina shawls. Traditional Kashmiri hand weaving and hand spinning techniques give the towels a unique texture that visibly sets them apart from their machine-made counterparts.

To qualify for a Geographical Indication, cashmere must be handwoven from handspun material in cashmere. A piece of fabric cannot be considered pure pashmina if it is machine made.

Also read: Pure Pashmina – Myths and Facts

Pure pashmina is expensive

Pure pashmina shawls are expensive. This is because some women craftsmen are involved in hand spinning the cashmere yarn and hence it is scarce. In addition, sourcing fiber is a difficult task and supply is often scarce compared to demand. Additionally, the manual labor that goes into making pashmina shawls makes them more valuable than other types of winter wool.

Sometimes it takes 4-5 years to complete pashmina shawls with full embroidery designs.

Development of pashmina cloths

Earlier some designs were found in pashmina shawls. Most pashmina shawls are embroidered, solid or kani shawls. But over time, these luxury goods also adapted to modern needs, introducing contemporary patterns to the field. Chic stripes and checks, animal prints, abstract patterns, ombré tones, laced and Swarovski encrusted pashmina scarves are also available in their purest forms today.

Also Read: Pashmina Embroideries | The exquisite craftsmanship

Fashion changes every season. However, recently, with the current pandemic, the fashion world has had a quiet period in terms of ever-changing fads. But since we’ve learned to live with it, and as designers make masks, gloves and face shields a part of their newly curated styles, we know there’s never a need to stop being stylish. But isn’t it a bit of a hassle to follow every style? Aren’t we tired of trying on every single look that comes off the catwalks and ending up being a part of ourselves for a month or two? Aren’t we already looking for alternatives that will accompany us for at least a few more years and keep us going with contemporary looks? There is. And it’s called pashmina.

What is pashmina?

Artisans weave pashmina shawls

Pashmina is the classic art of hand-processing fine cashmere wool and turning it into luxurious drapes, shawls, scarves and accessories. These shawls are warm, delicate, light, beautiful and opulent in their attitude. All processing of the raw wool is done manually, which means months and sometimes years of hard work. This is done by artisans who have decades of experience in their craft. The end result of their hard work is artistic wraps that are ideal for the spring, fall and winter seasons due to their insulating properties and versatile nature.

The timeless grace of cashmere scarves

From its inception in the 14th century to this day, pashmina hasn’t changed for anyone. It may have adapted some of it to modern needs and moods, but the art remains as such. Classic pieces that can be seen in museums still swoon, and women with an artistic taste would still love to wear them. In his native place – Kashmir – pashmina shawls are passed from grandmother to mother and her daughter, while maintaining their elegance and beauty. Therefore, pashmina shawls are timeless, but only a few patterns have managed to be that way. Others have adapted to contemporary clothing and hip wearing styles.

Also Read: Pashmina Fashion | Take notes from the retro era

Contemporary patterns

The throw is made of hand-sewn French Chantilly lace that femininely covers the throw

While still pashmina, the design has been updated by its makers to suit the needs of women of all ages and temperaments. Here are some fashionable designs that pashmina has adapted

Printed pashmina wraps

The most intricate weave and a gauzy feel are ideal for culture lovers

Pashmina shawls are now sporting giant prints, digital prints, animal prints, abstract pattern prints and even custom logos. This was not possible 20 years ago as people preferred embroidery and kani cloths

Patterned pashmina wraps

Colored stripes in an idyllic pattern

Patterned Wraps Fashionable patterns in pashmina make them suitable for all ages. Even teenage girls can wear pashmina to their school events and get togethers. Patterns on pashmina include checks, tartans, plaids, stripes – thin and thick, abstract patterns, polka dots and more.

Laced pashmina wraps

Embellished with a hand-sewn French Chantilly lace

Modern design pashmina shawls come with French laces that are carefully hand sewn to the base. The laced patch can be sewn either between the scarf base or the outer edges, depending on the designer’s preference. These wraps look wonderful on brides or bridesmaids.

Wraps with Swarovski studs

Inspired by the summer night sky, abundantly dotted with starry shimmers

A new category of pashmina shawls features Swarovski crystals scattered on a shawl giving it an ethereal look. These wraps are perfect for semi-formal occasions or a friend’s birthday party for all ages.

Are pashminas out of fashion?

In earlier times, in the past, pashmina shawls were either solid color or hand-embroidered or a kani-woven piece. Reversible scarves were added later, which, depending on the taste of women at the time, had their own fan base. But the modern world has pushed pashmina designers and makers to adapt to their needs. This generation would not wear a heavily embroidered scarf to a friend’s evening. We also don’t want to buy a kani jamawar shawl as the occasions in our life don’t demand that much. That would count as overdressing.

Empress Josephine in Kani Pashmina Shawl

Adapting to the modern world, pashminas have never gone out of style. The very first piece of pure cashmere would be a plain scarf. Later, Mughals introduced embroidery designs and this is how pashmina got its first embroidery designs. And these classic pieces are still alive. The older a pashmina shawl gets, the more antique features it acquires. Pashminas are not out of style. These are the most beautiful and timeless wraps ever discovered in the world. In fact, these masterpieces have lost none of their classic majesty or quality. Just as Empress Josephine loved her first Kani shawl, women around the world would love to have the same pattern. Museums are filled with pashminas from the olden days, and the pieces are exquisite and totally worth wearing today in 2021.

Also Read: 10 Ways to Wear a Pashmina

Let’s review the methods of washing different types of wool scarves.

Pashmina wool scarves

Pashmina scarves are among the prettiest. The wool comes from pashmina goats. The shawl is usually hand spun as the wool is too delicate to be treated in any other way. The soft and warm towels are close-fitting, last a long time and people and towels become one.

hand washing method

1. Gently wash the pashmina shawl with warm water and a mild soap or baby shampoo. Let the cloth soak for 15 minutes. Rinse the scarf until the soap is washed away. Place the scarf in a ziplock plastic bag. Shake the bag for a few minutes. Do not twist or wring the scarf.

2. Spread the folded cloth out on a dry towel. Allow the towel to absorb water from the cloth. Hang the wrinkle-free to dry thoroughly.

machine wash method

1. Pashmina shawls can be washed in cold water with a light detergent on the gentle cycle of the washing machine. Use the machine’s short spin cycle. Warm water can also be used to wash pashmina shawls with a natural shampoo. Do not twist or wring the towels.

2. Roll the wipes in a towel to remove excess water. Spread the folded towel out on a fresh, dry towel placed on a flat surface and allow the towel to air dry.

Merino wool towels

Merino wool towels are lightweight, odor resistant, moisture wicking and breathable. They are among the finest towels and are warm, close-fitting and beautiful.

hand washing method

1. Fill a basin with warm water. Add a mild detergent suitable for delicate garments. Dip the scarf in the water. Let it soak for about five minutes. Remove any trace of detergent by rinsing with warm water.

2. No twisting or wringing of the scarf. Squeeze the cloth gently to get as much water out as possible. Roll it in a towel and allow the towel to absorb water. Lay the cloth flat on a towel or on a drying rack to air dry.

machine wash method

1. Wash the merino scarf in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Use barely warm water and a gentle detergent. Use the washing machine’s short spin cycle. Rinse the cloth thoroughly with warm water.

2. Do not tumble dry. Squeeze gently to squeeze out water. Wrap the cloth in a towel and allow the towel to absorb water. Spread flat on another towel to air dry but keep out of direct sun.

Acrylic wool scarves

The durable acrylic scarves usually have fast colors, fascinating designs and smooth surface. The material is soft, warm and skin-friendly.

hand washing method

1. Hand wash the acrylic scarf with warm water and mild detergent. Soak the cloth in the soapy water for five minutes. After rinsing thoroughly with warm water, roll the cloth in a towel and allow the towel to absorb as much water as possible.

2. Never wring or twist the scarf. Spread the cloth out on a dry towel to air dry.

machine wash method

1. Place the acrylic scarf in a bag for extra protection during the wash cycle. For a quick and gentle wash, wash on the gentle cycle with warm or cold water and a mild detergent. Rinse the cloth until the detergent is washed away.

2. Do not twist or wring the scarf. Wrap it in a towel and let the towel soak the water. Spread the towel flat on top of another towel and let it air dry completely, out of direct sunlight.

Mixed wool scarves

The shimmering wool blend towels have an extraordinary elegance. They are available in many colors. They are light but super warm. Mixed wool scarves are typically made up of 80 percent wool and 20 percent synthetic fibers.

hand washing method

1. Hand wash the blended wool scarf in cold water with mild detergent. Let the cloth soak in the soapy water for about five minutes. Twirl the scarf gently. Rinse long enough to completely remove the detergent. Do not wring or twist the cloth.

2. Roll the folded towel into a towel and let the towel soak in water. Allow the cloth to air dry by laying it on a towel spread out on a flat surface.

machine wash method

1. Many manufacturers allow blended wool scarves to be machine washed. Wash the cloth in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Use cold or warm water and a mild detergent.

2. Gently squeeze the water out of the cloth by pressing on it. Do not twist or wring the scarf. Roll the folded cloth into a towel and soak up any water. Spread the cloth out on a flat towel to air dry in the shade.

Angora wool scarves

Angora scarves are extra soft. Angora scarves with excellent insulation have remarkable beauty and warming quality. The wool with a silky feel is available in many colors. And the angora scarves mostly have an innovative design.

hand washing method

1. To wash an angora scarf by hand, use warm water with a basic hair shampoo. Soak the cloth in the soapy water for a few minutes. Squeeze gently to squeeze out dirt. Do not wring or twist the cloth.

2. Rinse with warm water, squeeze out excess water, soak up water by rolling the towel in a towel, and spread the towel flat on another towel to air dry, away from direct sunlight.

machine wash method

1. Machine wash an angora scarf on the gentle/wool cycle. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Put the scarf in a bag. Use the machine’s short spin cycle. Rinse the scarf thoroughly. Gently squeeze out the water. Do not wring or twist the cloth.

2. Wrap the cloth in a towel to allow the towel to absorb as much water as possible. Spread the scarf out flat on a towel to air dry, away from the sun. Do not use a dryer.

Cashmere wool scarves

The cashmere wool scarves are soft, light, trendy and comfortable to wear. They have a beautiful color combination. The bright cloths create an aura of wealth. Cashmere goat fiber has a fine texture. It’s strong but soft.

hand washing method

1. Pre-treat stained areas with water and the extinguishing effect. Don’t rub. Fill the sink with warm water and add a mild detergent or shampoo. Dip the cloth and gently squeeze it. Do not wring or twist. Swirl the cloth in the soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

2. Gently press the cloth to squeeze out the excess water. Wrap the cloth in a towel and allow the towel to absorb the extra water. Spread flat on another towel to air dry, out of direct sunlight.

machine wash method

1. A cashmere wool scarf can be machine washed on a gentle or wool cycle, with cold water and a mild detergent or shampoo suitable for wool. Look at the short spin cycle of the machine. Do not twist or wring the scarf. Do not tumble dry.

2. Take the towel out of the machine, gently squeeze to squeeze out the water, roll into a towel and allow to absorb water, and spread flat on another towel to air dry and protect from direct sunlight.

Australian wool scarves

Australian wool scarves are elegant, stylish and attractive. They are a quality product and are offered at competitive prices. The towels do not crease, fall beautifully and repel stains.

hand washing method

1. Hand wash in lukewarm water with a soft wool detergent. Rinse in cold water.

2. Roll up a towel to remove excess water. Allow the cloth to air dry on a flat towel and protect from direct heat or sunlight.

machine wash method

1. Australian wool scarves can now be machine washed and tumble dried. However, continue to use cold water and the wool or delicates setting. Use a mild shampoo and the washing machine’s short spin cycle.

2. Spread the cloth flat on a towel to air dry completely.

by Fabian Jackson

Have you ever wondered if your cashmere sweater collection is suitable for vegans? Read on to discover everything.

Cashmere can make for ultra-soft sweaters and scarves, as well as luxurious blankets and even premium socks, but is this premium material vegan?

What is cashmere?

Cashmere is the crème de la crème when it comes to wool. Its extremely soft fibers are derived from the wool of certain breeds of goats and have been used to make textiles, clothing and yarn for hundreds of years. It is usually collected from cashmere goats, but sometimes from their pashmina cousins.

Is cashmere vegan?

Strictly speaking, cashmere is not vegan because it is made from goat’s wool. However, goats often shed their fur naturally, which means certain products may be cruelty-free depending on other factors, such as living conditions.

Is there a good vegan alternative to cashmere?

Photo credit: Faborg

An Indian startup called Faborg has created a zero-waste, cruelty-free and 100% sustainable new fabric called Weganool. The material is made from a plant called calotropis (similar to spurge) and is designed to reproduce the luxurious quality of cashmere but without the involvement of animals.

Send us other plant-related questions in the comments section below.

Once the red foliage of autumn is all over the place, you know it’s time to start shopping for warmer cloaks and clothes. Winter is just around the corner and warmth and comfort are all we can think of. Are we letting go of style? Should we compromise when it comes to looking stylish and go overboard with whatever we find and how it looks. Or should we choose something warm and elegant? Well, we have something in store for those who don’t want to let go of their preppy looks. A cashmere pashmina shawl is as warm and comfortable as it is exquisitely graceful. But the question is, do we really need to invest in such an expensive substance? Isn’t it just wool?

Also read: 5 reasons why cashmere scarves are expensive

What is pashmina?

Pashmina is the art of handcrafting luxurious cloaks – shawls and scarves – from fine cashmere wool. Cashmere originated in Ladakh where it is farmed over its body by a rare species of goat.

How is cashmere collected?

The winter season is the most difficult time in the life of the Buddhist tribes who raise Changthangi goats. The temperature drops to -40 degrees Celsius and the area is cut off from the whole world because snow piles may cover everything. It is precisely these domesticated animals—goats and sheep—that outlive themselves and their herdsmen alike. Changthangi goats naturally grow cashmere wool over their bellies, behind their ears, around their necks and other smaller parts of their bodies as a defense mechanism. This helps protect them from one of the harshest climatic conditions in the world.

Spring season is the moulting season for the Ladakhi goat, also known as the Changpa/Pashmina/Cashmere goat. Once spring arrives in Ladakh (April-May), the goat naturally sheds this wool. And this, in turn, is a protection against the sun’s heat, which is as severe as the winters in this region, 14,000 feet above sea level. The cashmere is collected wherever goats have rubbed their bodies. Wool can be found on craggy walls, rocks, rough bushes, and minor hilly peaks in the area where goats live. Some of the cashmere that remains on the goats’ bodies is professionally, gently and ethically combed from the body. All wool clumps and cleaned and stored in small packages

Also Read: Are Animals Killed for Pashmina?

Processing cashmere for pashmina

Raw cashmere is spun into yarn

Packets of raw wool are sent to Kashmir where their processing takes place. Chunks of raw cashmere are spun into yarn and the yarn is hand woven to make pashmina shawls, stoles, cashmere shawls and other small accessories.

It should be noted that a pashmina shawl goes through hundreds of specialized artisan hands before it is ready to be worn.

Why pashminas?

Pashmina not only looks and feels like it, but there are a thousand reasons why pashmina is a winter wardrobe essential. Here are some of them:

1.

warmth

If all you need is warmth during this cold season, it’s time to go for a pashmina shawl once fall arrives. Pashmina has perfect insulating properties that prevent the cold from touching your skin and trap warmth inside. Therefore, pashmina shawls and shawls are ideal for the sudden drops in temperature, as well as the full-fledged winter season.

2.

style

Printed cashmere wrap

Pashmina scarves and shawls will never let you down when it comes to style. Be it the myriad of colors in solid pashmina wraps, the animal prints and stripe patterns, hand embroidered pieces or luxurious kani shawls, pashmina is simply timeless and elegant. Aside from being versatile, there are so many ways you can style a pashmina wrap, which adds to its style quotient.

3.

Versatile

Pashmina scarves are perhaps the most versatile wrap accessory when it comes to winter fashion. You can have pashmina shawls in informal, semi-formal, casual styles. There are pashmina shawls for weddings, gift giving, bridesmaids, which are usually embroidered, or kani shawls. For a casual get-together, prints, patterns and pashmina wraps in ombre shades look amazing. Formal occasions call for minimalism, and so pastel solids or stripes and checks look graceful.

4.

Timeless

With proper care, a pashmina shawl will last forever. It is believed that brides in Kashmiri would receive their mothers’ shawls as wedding gifts. These towels were sometimes 30 years old and exuded a vintage elegance.

Pashmina wraps need to be hand washed with mild shampoos and naturally air dried. These must be stored clean and dry and kept away from moths. This is how pashminas stay together for years.

Also read: How to wash cashmere at home?

5.

handmade

Weaving pashmina from raw cashmere

Pashmina is handmade from raw cashmere wool. This wool is the down fiber of a local but rare Ladakhi goat. The goat sheds this wool in the spring season after using it as a defense against the region’s harsh winters. This wool is first collected and cleaned manually. Post this, it is spun manually on a wooden traditional spinning wheel that helps transform lumps of wool into fine yarn. The yarn is given to weavers who weave it by hand on wooden handlooms native to the valley of Kashmir. This results in pashmina cloths that are later hand-embroidered or hand-dyed, depending on the customer’s wishes.

The handwork makes pashmina shawls exclusive, graceful and even more special.

6.

Easy

Cashmere yarn is only 12 to 16 microns in diameter. And a complete pashmina shawl of 100 x 200 cm weighs only about 400 grams. This makes pashmina exceptionally light and therefore easy to wear. And women prefer that comfort rather than being laden down with heavy jackets, coats or scarves.

The finesse of pashmina shawls makes them valuable, rich and treasured all over the world.

7.

Consistent

Your purchase of pashmina is responsible because the production of pashmina is sustainable. The raw material is a natural fiber and therefore biodegradable. It is ethically sourced and therefore not tested on animals. Pashmina shawls are made without the use of machines or looms, making them eco-friendly and safe for the planet.

In addition, pashmina wraps support slow fashion. With proper care, these timeless accessories will last more than 20 years.

8th.

January to December

Because pashmina is a natural insulator, it can be worn almost all year round. It is breathable, so it never causes sweating and excessive heat. It is comfortable to wear in winter, spring and autumn, as well as during a sudden temperature drop in summer.

9.

Historical

Pashmina shawls were discovered by Shah E Hamdan, a Persian saint who came to visit Kashmir. He discovered cashmere in Ladakh and had socks made from it. These socks were gifted to the then King of Kashmir who was impressed and ordered production units to be made from them. Therefore, Kashmir processed raw cashmere that originated in Ladakh and became the center of pashmina shawls.

Empress Josephine in Kani Pashmina

Soon, this news spread around the world, and as soon as the Europeans heard about it, they visited the valley. Later, for a long time, mass exports from Kashmir to Europe took place. Among the patrons of pashmina shawls was Empress Josephine, who owned hundreds of Kani shawls from Kashmir. After the empress brought kani cloths into a timeless fashion, their demand increased many times over. Since then, the gracefulness of pashmina shawls has not changed a bit until today; in fact has changed to please women and men of all ages on every occasion.

Also read: The Cashmere Shawl: Early History and Literature

10

Give a gift

The art of luxurious giving

If you know a wealthy person who has everything in life, you know how difficult it is to buy them a gift. But a pashmina shawl will always do the trick. Whether as a gift for a birthday or a wedding anniversary, pashmina shawls impress every time.

Also Read: Gifts from Cashmere | For the one who has everything

What is cashmere?

Cashmere is the downy undercoat of a goat’s hair. This downy undercoat grows all over the body except for the face and legs and helps protect goats through harsh winters that can fall to -40°C.

Where does cashmere come from?

Cashmere comes almost exclusively from the Central and East Asian steppe, which offers ideal cold and dry conditions for the production of high-quality fibers. Mongolia and China are the largest producers, accounting for about 85% of the world supply. Other cashmere producing nations are Iran, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, India and Turkey.

How is cashmere processed?

Raw (or “greasy”) cashmere fibers are combed or sheared by shepherds after the spring moult. Herders sell bags of cashmere to merchants, who then sell them to processing factories. The fiber is graded by grade and color, cleaned (washed) to remove dirt and impurities, and then “dehaired” to remove the coarse outer hair from the fine, downy underlayer. The clean cashmere is then spun into yarn and woven or knitted into finished garments around the world.

Why is current cashmere production unsustainable?

Increasing goat numbers, changing land use practices and poor rangeland management result in overgrazed and degraded pastures. This negatively impacts rangeland resources, including native wildlife, and increases the vulnerability of herders’ livelihoods.

What do we mean by “sustainable cashmere”?

As a concept, we believe that sustainable cashmere should incorporate aspects of environmental, social and economic sustainability. We also see animal welfare as an integral part of sustainability. From this perspective, sustainable cashmere production would a) not compromise the protection of natural resources, including wildlife, b) provide a secure livelihood for local herders, and c) ensure the long-term viability of the global cashmere industry.

How can standards help?

Credible certification standards offer a promising and practical solution to many of the sustainability challenges we face today. They provide a mechanism to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and contribute to the transformation of resource sectors. Credible standards for achieving more sustainable production practices and setting requirements that demonstrate compliance with those practices. As well as contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, standards can bring real benefits to the private sector by demonstrating a company’s commitment to sustainability and helping consumers buy products that are responsibly sourced.

Do goats molt?

Goats shed their undercoat once a year, in spring. Moulting is triggered by the spring grass and combing helps remove hairs that would otherwise fall out naturally.

How do shepherds know how to harvest cashmere?

Combing can only begin when the time is right. Shepherds must wait for the natural moulting process to begin before combing. Shepherds can tell by their hair if a goat is ready to harvest its hair. If the fiber is not loosened, it will not easily come off the comb and the combing process becomes uncomfortable for the goat and difficult and inefficient for the herdsman.

Is Inner Mongolia part of Mongolia?

Confusingly no. Inner Mongolia is a region of China in the Gobi that borders Mongolia (the Country). The nation of Mongolia is often referred to as Outer Mongolia. The reason for this confusion of names is that Inner Mongolia used to be part of Mongolia. When China gained control of this southern Mongolian region, it became known as Inner Mongolia and the rest of the country as Outer Mongolia (although the country’s official name is Mongolia). While Mongolia and Inner Mongolia share a common cultural history, major differences in livestock farming have developed in recent decades.

What is the difference between cashmere from Mongolia and China?

Cashmere production practices differ significantly between the two major cashmere producing nations. Mongolian cashmere is generally what we call “herd cashmere”. Mongolian herders are semi-nomadic, rotating between seasonal campsites and grazing their herds on open unfenced and communal rangelands. In contrast, cross-border cashmere production tends to be more intensive. Herders in China are no longer nomadic, and now graze their goats on private, fenced-in pastures better known as “cashmere farms.” On these farms there is not always enough pasture for the whole year and goats are often brought indoors and fed hay over the winter months. While Mongolian cashmere is typically harvested by hand with combs, the use of electric shears is more common in China.

How is cashmere harvested?

During fiber harvesting, the goats’ hair is combed or shaved. In Mongolia, goats are hand combed to remove the fine “winter undercoat” and leave the outer “guard hair” to protect them from the elements. Goats with particularly long guard hairs are sometimes trimmed with scissors prior to combing to reduce snagging and allow for easier fiber removal.

In the Inner Mongolia region of China, farmers typically use electronic shears that remove both the cashmere and outer guard hair. This method is appropriate in this context as goats are provided with a shelter to keep warm.

When is the cashmere season?

The cashmere season begins in the spring when the goats start moulting due to the warmer weather. In Mongolia, the cashmere season starts in the east and moves to the west. Being first to market, shepherds in the east can often get a higher price for their fibre. In China, goats are usually sheared in the spring when the weather is warmer.

Does combing or clipping hurt the goats?

Goats are not harmed by combing or clipping them responsibly. If proper care is taken and the right techniques are employed, neither method need be a painful or distressing experience for goats. We are confident that by following the practices outlined in the SFA Animal Husbandry and Fiber Harvesting Code of Practice, herders can ensure high welfare standards for their cashmere goats.

Photo by Roger Gupta

I think we can all agree that the must-have accessory for the modern festival-goer is the pashmina. Whether or not you’re decked out in a real pash or just a fancy scarf, this special weapon in your ready-to-wear arsenal isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a multi-tool akin to a Swiss Army knife.

What is a pashmina? Pashmina is actually the fiber from which the scarf or shawl is made. Pashmina is a specific type of cashmere wool that refers to the finer fibers of 12-16 microns, while generic cashmere ranges from 12-21 microns, and this fine wool is generally blended 70/30 with silk to create that iconic texture and Achieving durability This is what makes these particular scarves so versatile. Not all scarves are created equal, but finding a quality scarf on the property or at the thrift store is certainly a rite of passage among modern-day festival-goers.

Aside from being super soft and looking really cool, why have these scarves (or scarves in general) become such a must have accessory at summer outdoor events? Well, there are a couple of obvious reasons that most have already participated in or seen, the simplest of which is simply being used as a scarf on cold mountain nights.

Scarves and pashminas also make good face masks at the dustier festivals, where golf carts kick up clouds of dust all day (and most attendees are already abusing their lungs, so you might as well exercise a little more caution). Then there’s the headgear movement, draping your scarf over what I’m assuming is probably a pin-covered flat-brimmed hat that allows you to maintain a little shady microclimate at those big festivals with very little shade coverage . But this stuff is easy, and you and your crew have probably been pulling off these maneuvers for a while.

This may seem obvious and mundane, but there are some other things you can do with your old scarf. A few simple ones that come to mind. Use it as a sleep mask to catch up on some sleep after trying to stay up for the late night set the day before, or as a blindfold for an addictive game of nailing a dread to the tree or smashing a pinata.

Maybe you conserve your paper towels by drying your hands after washing them (unless that kind of wookish behavior isn’t your style). Use your scarf to tie your hair up if you forgot your scrunchies and bandanas (because you obviously have long hair or dreads) or go for the full pash turban look.

Has the handle on your trolley or cool box broken off? Make a new one with your pash and drag this bad boy uphill to your camp. If you get hot and you only managed to bring pants, take them off and wrap your scarf around your waist to make a sarong. (That takes a bit more confidence for the boys, but trust me, you won’t regret it when you feel that breeze.)

This one works pretty well in the wintery indoor season: tie your scarf off both ends of your jacket or a billboard and throw it down your back to avoid those jacket check lines. Tie it between your friend’s camp chairs and make yourself a footrest; The possibilities are endless if you think outside the box.

There are a few that come to mind when dealing with the perils of festival life. If you are in a situation where you or someone is injured and you need to do something quickly before first aid arrives, or perhaps just something to hold you down until you reach your tent in less urgent cases, your pashmina can an amazing tool at your disposal. First, if you have an upper arm injury and need to keep it still, you can simply tie your scarf together and make a sling. Keep that arm immobile and seek first aid assistance. For fractures and sprains, you can wrap the affected area like a bandage or use a straight brace to make a brace to stabilize the affected area until help arrives or you can make it to the first aid tent.

Last thing on my mind, and I really hope none of you ever deal with anything like this, but if you’re dealing with excessive bleeding from a limb, you can use a scarf and a stick to tourniquet make. If you find yourself in this situation, try to avoid this action if bleeding can be stopped with simple pressure; However, if you must, tie your scarf together and wrap it over the trim. Insert the rod into the loop scarf and twist until it tightens around the limb and restricts blood flow. Immediately seek first aid measures again afterwards.

On my final suggestion, even lighter, the pashmina can be used by someone suffering from Wook Flu. It’s one thing. We all know it happens. They’re out for days, indulging in their various vices, and typically don’t take optimal care of themselves. When those self-inflicted colds and allergies strike, use your scarf to cover those coughing and sneezing stimuli and use it to blow your nose. Usually, by the time you catch the wood flu, the festival is probably over tomorrow and everyone else is probably dirty and scruffy anyway. Lean in, it all needs washing when you get home anyway.

If you don’t already have one, make sure you have a scarf in your kit for the next festival. Get this heady pash on the go and never go to a show without it; you never know, it might just save your life.

Pashmina is an art that originated in Kashmir. This art has been perfected by local artisans for centuries. Processing fine cashmere to create pashmina shawls takes hard work, meticulous effort and immense patience, and this is exactly what artisans demonstrate.

What is pashmina?

Pashmina is the art of handcrafting luxurious shawls, shawls, scarves and stoles – from fine cashmere. The finest raw cashmere is sourced from Ladakh and processed in cashmere, where highly qualified craftsmen await this extremely fine wool variant.

History of Pashmina Shawls in Kashmir

In the 16th century, a saint named Shah E Hamdan traveled from Persia to Kashmir to preach religious sermons. It was he who first discovered Raw Cashmere in Ladakh. Seeing its softness and smooth texture, Shah E Hamdan ordered socks to be made from this wool. The socks proved luxurious and were presented to Zain ul Abideen, the then King of Kashmir. He too was so impressed that he ordered Kashmir processing plants to be installed in Kashmir. Also, Persian artisans were instructed to train local people in cashmere spinning and weaving, and so it all started from that moment. Later people from all over the world visited Kashmir. A majority of Europeans visited Kashmir regularly, and later pashmina shawls were exported to European countries in large quantities.

Also Read: What’s So Special About Pashmina Shawls?

What does the word “pashmina” mean?

The word pashmina comes from “pashm”. Pashm is a Persian word that literally means “soft gold”. In cashmere, pashmina is the art of transforming soft cashmere wool into luxurious shawls, stoles or wearable accessories.

What are pashmina shawls made of?

raw cashmere

Pashmina shawls are made from the finest cashmere wool, which comes from Ladakh. The Changthang region of Ladakh is home to an exotic species of goat that grows cashmere for its down fiber. This down fiber is harvested in the summer season and processed into pashmina products.

How is pashmina made?

Above the mighty Himalayas, the Capra Hircus goat can be found in Changthang, Ladakh. For this reason, it is also known as the Changthangi goat. The goat can survive in any place in Ladakh. But those found above 14000 feet are the ones that survive and grow cashmere. The growth of this fine and ultra-smooth wool is an adaptive response to the harsh terrain where winter temperatures drop to -40 degrees. Raw cashmere has a unique sheen and fine fibers are only 12-16 microns in diameter. Note that human hair has an average diameter of 50 microns and that makes cashmere about 1/4 of a human hair!

Changthangi goat in Ladakh

The finest cashmere comes from Changthang, Ladakh, where nomadic Buddhist herders (known as Changpas) raise goats. They collect cashmere by professionally combing the goats in late spring and early summer when the goats are moulting. It should be noted that goats are not shorn but combed to avoid fiber breakage and to preserve fiber length. Consequently, cashmere is brought to Srinagar for processing in the last days of summer.

Processing of cashmere (manufacture of pashmina shawls)

The art of pashmina making is ancient. But it hardly matters to Kashmiri artisans, who have long been perfecting it. Due to the extremely fragile nature of the cashmere fiber, cashmere artisans and women have always preferred to work it by hand. Stress from a machine would break the fiber and it would lose its distinctive nature. Once Kashmir reaches Srinagar, it is greeted by the women who begin cleaning. Cleaning is done by hand and any foreign particles stuck to the fiber are removed. Then it is placed in a container filled with rice powder. In this way it gains strength and shine.

After three days, cashmere is removed from this mixture and thoroughly cleaned. Now it is sent to craftsmen who await its arrival to spin it. Spinning is done on a wooden spinning wheel locally called a “yinder”. When spinning, clumps of wool become fine threads. As long threads come out of the spinning wheel, they are handed over to hand weavers who transform them into luxurious pashminas, stoles, hijabs, shawls and clothing.

Artisan hand embroidering a pashmina shawl

It takes about 4-5 days to finish a two meter long cloth. It’s still in its solid form. Next it is necessary to embroider (if desired). There are mainly three types of embroidery designs in pashmina. Fine thread and needle embroidery called Sozni, thick thread and needle embroidery called Papier Mache embroidery and metal thread embroidery called Tilla embroidery.

Purity of pashmina shawls

Unlike hand-spun pashmina, many merchants often deal in machine-spun yarn. In such cases cashmere is spun in machines. However, the machine spinning process requires the yarn to be strengthened by the addition of chemicals. This in turn changes the characteristic nature of the fiber. Therefore, such pashmina shawls are not as soft and have less durability.

Hand spinning of cashmere

The manual processing of cashmere results in extra fine, smooth and warm pashmina shawls. Traditional Kashmiri hand weaving and hand spinning techniques give the towels a unique texture that visibly sets them apart from their machine-made counterparts.

To qualify for a Geographical Indication, cashmere must be handwoven from handspun material in cashmere. A piece of fabric cannot be considered pure pashmina if it is machine made.

Also read: Pure Pashmina – Myths and Facts

Pure pashmina is expensive

Pure pashmina shawls are expensive. This is because some women craftsmen are involved in hand spinning the cashmere yarn and hence it is scarce. In addition, sourcing fiber is a difficult task and supply is often scarce compared to demand. Additionally, the manual labor that goes into making pashmina shawls makes them more valuable than other types of winter wool.

Sometimes it takes 4-5 years to complete pashmina shawls with full embroidery designs.

Development of pashmina cloths

Earlier some designs were found in pashmina shawls. Most pashmina shawls are embroidered, solid or kani shawls. But over time, these luxury goods also adapted to modern needs, introducing contemporary patterns to the field. Chic stripes and checks, animal prints, abstract patterns, ombré tones, laced and Swarovski encrusted pashmina scarves are also available in their purest forms today.

Also Read: Pashmina Embroideries | The exquisite craftsmanship

There is a trend in Changthang to increase livestock, particularly a breed of goat (Capra sibirica) that produces one of the finest natural fibers: pashmina, the mainstay of the Changpa nomads’ economy. The environmental conditions of this region are suitable for the development of pashmina, so these animals are raised in large numbers. Changthangi goats are raised in harsh climatic conditions (-40 to +40 °C). The best quality pashmina is produced in this region and is the mainstay of the Changthang nomads. Pashmina fibers are very expensive as they are used to make the world’s finest shawls. The Changthang region alone produces around 35,000 kg of raw pashmina fiber every year from around 0.15 million Changthangi goats, which account for 80% of the country’s total pashmina production. 90% of the people in Changthang region live on the income from goats and sheep, which amounts to nearly US$8.4 million annually.

1. Introduction Goats, essentially an Asian animal, are common in all ecologies and their fibers are classified as mohair, pashmina and hair, but mohair and pashmina have commercial importance. India’s indomitable heritage is the raising of goats in the cold, arid region of the high Himalayas, which produce pashmina (cashmere) that is fine, tough, warm and soft. Pashmina can also be defined as the down fiber (undercoat) that comes from cashmere goats that are 30 microns in diameter or less. Pashmina derives its name from the Persian word “pashm” which means “soft gold, the king of fibers” [1]. India produces the best pashmina in the world with an annual production of about 40 tons, but this is only <1% of the total world production [2, 3]. Two pashmina breeds, namely Chegu and Changthangi, are recognized in India. The Changthangi goat is reared in Changthang and adjacent areas of Leh over an area of ​​20,000 km² at 3000–6000 m above MSL (−40 to +40 °C) under an extensive system. Pashmina is the economic mainstay of the people of Changthang, as almost 55% of the income is generated from this fiber [4]. With the increasing demand for raw pashmina, the cost of this fiber is the highest in the international market (90-180 Eu/kg in 2004) [5]. The current annual production of pashmina from Ladakh is about 35,000 kg harvested from about 0.15 million Changthangi goats [6, 7]. Pashmina is a valuable animal fiber for its warmth, strength, lightness and softness, apart from the dye-absorbing property compared to mohair or wool. Pashmina is a valuable fiber for high quality designer clothing. The Guinness Book of World Records gave it a reputation for being the world's most expensive fabric after it banned the natural fiber shahtoosh (dubbed the king of fibres), which is made from small Tibetan antelopes called chiru. In India, 50 tons of pashmina were produced between 2005 and 2006, 80% of which were from the Changthangi breed. Fibers obtained from goats <19 μm in diameter are referred to as cashmere, however Changthangi fiber has an average diameter of 10–14 μm, making it the best. Brilliantly colored and made from Changthangi goats, pashmina shawls are a fashion sensation with essential elements of style and comfort around the world [8]. Along with Changthangi goats, Changluk sheep (used for meat purposes) are an integral part of the pashmina goat-based transhumance delivery system. It serves as an alternative source of income for Changpa's livelihood when the production system goes down. The Changpas who raise the Pashmina goats in the Changthang region make a significant contribution to the economy of Ladakh (cold arid region that accounts for 107,545 km2 of the country's total 387,390 km2 zone). The rest of the region is a hot, dry Indo-Gangetic plain and Peninsular India [9]. Nomads encounter a variety of problems, such as: B. poor standard of living, shortage of food, lack of market access and the involvement of huge investments. These obstacles result in nomads earning far less than their potential. 2. Breed Characteristics This goat (Capra hircus), a mammal of the subfamily Caprinae and family Bovidae, produces fine, soft, and much smoother double webs of hair called guard hair. These goats are of medium breed, their height ranges from 60 to 80 cm. The average weight of male and female Pashmina goats is around 45 and 35 kg respectively. They have broad horns; have blocky builds and nifty features. Pashmina goats come in a variety of colors. White tends to be dominant, but black, tan, red, cream, gray, and badger face are very common. These goats tend to be alert and cautious rather than docile and calm. These traits are largely due to their wild ancestry, relatively recent generations (Figure 1). Display 3. Morphological Characteristics The color of Changthangi goats generally varies from white to light brown (88% of goats are white in color and only 12% are light brown in color). Changthangi goat head color ranges from white to black, with some animals seeing a gray head. The parameters of birth are: the length is about 26.0 ± 0.2 cm, the height at the withers and the girth of the chest are 27.7 ± 2.0 and 29.9 ± 1.6 cm, respectively. The whole body of the animal is covered with pashmina undercoat, as well as long hair. The face and muzzle are hairless. The Changthangi goat's ears are small and erect, while the horns have a distinctive character. The horns curve first up, and then back, down, and further. The body is straight and heavy. Goat Size (Average) Changthangi Male (Adult) Changthangi Female (Adult) Body Weight (kg) 30 28 Body Length (cm) 52 53 Body Height (cm) 53 52 Chest Circumference (cm) 66 65 3.1 Classification of Pashmina Goats Based on the different Based on physical parameters, the world's pashmina goats can be divided into four main groups: (1) western, (2) eastern, (3) wild and northern, and (4) pashmina-mohair hybrid [3]. 3.1.1 The western (Kyrgyz) type The main characteristics are a higher production of undercoat and coarser undercoat fibers than in Mongolian and wild goats, and the undercoat is often longer than the top coat. The weight of the primer as a percentage of the batt weight is 75-80%, but there is some intermediate fiber content. The fiber length of the undercoat is 9–11 cm, the fiber diameter is 18–20 μm, the body weight of adult animals is 34–36 kg, and the body weight of adult bucks is 55–60 kg. 3.1.2 The Eastern (Mongolian) type The main characteristics are long outer hair fibers protecting a fine undercoat and shorter undercoat fibers (5-6 cm) than in the Kyrgyz type. Undercoat production is up to 350g for females and 600g for bucks, but more for the best animals. The main goals of selection are higher undercoat weight and longer undercoat fibers, but no change in undercoat diameter. 3.1.3 Wild and Northern Goats Redomesticated wild goats are relatively new to cashmere production and the population is very heterogeneous and unimproved. Undercoat levels and production are often less than the economics of single purpose production would require and the role of these goats in the economy should be viewed from the perspective of dual purpose production, at least for the time being. 3.1.4 Pashmina-mohair mixed goats Crossing cashmere goats with mohair goats leads to an increase in fiber length, fleece weight and fiber diameter. Excessive undercoat resulting from crossing with mohair goats is prone to weathering. 4. Management Practices The hardy and agile Changthangi animals are well adapted to the migratory life that Changpa practices in difficult conditions. The Changpas live in traditional circular tents called “rebo” with a local heater placed in the center (Figure 2). The herds are driven out each day to graze all day and later brought back to the villages at night. Summer and winter grazing are well marked although the herds remain migratory. The harsh climatic conditions lead to the production of undercoat for insulation against extreme weather. The animals have adapted well enough to survive on sparse diets, where they prefer scrub to richer grasses. The goats molt at the beginning of summer, at the end of winter combing is done with a comber for maximum pashmina yield. The sexual cycle is regulated by photoperiodism triggered by decreasing day length and the animals become sexually active from June. Breeding takes place in November and December and frolicking takes place in the months of April and May. It has been observed that infant mortality is low, around 3%. For mating purposes, one buck is enough to breed 40 females. The young are usually weaned at 4 months of age. The average daily milk production is 700 ml/animal with a lactation period of about 5 months. The goats are kept outdoors within stone fences (Figure 3). Upland grazing is generally conducted in the months of July to September, while pasture grazing occurs in the months of May to June and October to December. Goats are restricted to stall feeding from January to April to avoid exposure to the very cold weather. In stable feeding, the average daily concentrate feed to individual animals is 400 g for females, 500 g for rams and 300 g for young animals, while the feed dose for rams is estimated at 1.5 kg and for females and young animals at 1.5 kg daily. 4.1 Production parameters Out of a total of 15,000 tons of pashmina wool produced worldwide, China's share is 70%, followed by Mongolia with 20%. India's yield accounts for just 1% of world pashmina production. Of these, 40 tones come from the approximately 1.6 lakh pashmina goats found in the Jammu and Kashmir region of Ladakh. Pashmina yield per dollar is lower and relatively higher yield by can. These goats are very poor in milk production. On average, a female goat can produce 200-500 ml per day. The annual pashmina yield in Changthangi goats is about 80g at first shearing, 150g at second shearing, 230g at third shearing, 200g at fourth shearing and 210g at fifth shearing. The fiber length is higher in men than in women [10]. 4.2 Reproductive parameters The reproductive characteristics of goats are an essential part of the farmer's ability to systematically maintain the farm population and make the farm profitable. The age of first eaves, age of first shearing, gestation period, shearing interval and litter size of Changthangi goats are 668±18, 830±13, 152, 397±7 days and 1 day, respectively. Single jokes are more common 99% of the time and twins are very rare in Changthangi goats. The gestation period of Changthangi goats is 150 days. 4.3 Properties of pashmina fibers The fiber fineness is the most important quality parameter and distinguishes pashmina fibers from sheep's wool. The average fiber count of pashmina fibers is 12-13 μ. The average fiber length is 55-60 mm. Fiber length depends on its origin/genotypes, quality and source. The mean fiber length of the top hair varies between 25 and 93 mm [2]. The microscopic structure of the fiber is given in (Figure 4). 5. Disease Prevalence The occurrence of diseases is observed quite rarely in Changthangi goats. The most common problems are related to stunted and delayed growth. Sometimes animals suffer from diarrhea due to parasitic and poisonous grasses. Infestations with tapeworms, roundworms and coccidia have also occasionally been observed in young goats. Large farms are vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease, smallpox and clostridial infection. Gid is a common occurrence in Changthangi goats. Tick ​​infestations are common. Deworming with anthelmintics and dipping with some antiparasitics twice a year is carried out in some of the organized farms. However, these medical activities are not as widespread among the poor smallholders in the village, which has led to a comparatively higher mortality rate for the animals. Sometimes genetic defects such as cryptorchidism, stumpy ear, short legs, progeny and body color mixing are found in some animals. 6. Economics of Changthangi Goat Breeders Changthangi goat breeders usually build herds from their own animals over the period of the animals' productive lives, and select out old/unproductive ones and discard surplus animals. The main benefits of Changthangi goat farming come in the form of pashmina, animal sales, changes in herd population, milk and fertilizer. Pashmina yields account for the majority of gross yields in Changthangi goats (>40%), followed by sale and appreciation in kid goats. Goat farming not only generates income for the people living under harsh, cold climate extremes, but also provides the nomads ( Changpa ) with a livelihood and food security in the form of milk and meat. The profitable pashmina business also possesses the potential for self-employment and with the right attention and care it will prove helpful in improving the family welfare of downtrodden nomads who raise the breed in miserable conditions [8].

7. Material and method Changthangi goats live mainly in the Changthang subdivision (Nyoma and Durbuk blocks) of Ladakh, also known as the Pashmina belt of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, in other parts of Leh, nondescript goats and Changluk sheep are raised primarily for meat and milk. This chapter provides information on birth weight, lactation period, calving period, age, hoaxes, pashmina yield, disease incidence, market value, etc.

8. Discussion In India, pashmina is obtained from the Jammu and Kashmir region of Ladakh, the Lahul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, the Uttar Kashi, Chamoli and Pithargarh districts of Uttaranchal. The pashmina obtained from Jammu and Kashmir is known as Changthangi pashmina while that obtained from HP and Uttaranchal is known as Chegu pashmina. The best quality pashmina is produced in the Changthang region of Ladakh and is the economic mainstay of the nomads in Changthang.

Pashmina, the finest quality of wool, is made from animal hair fibers. This animal is originally from Ladakh in India. Their horns are rounded and always move upwards. Pashmina is the finest quality of wool obtained from a special breed of Pashmina goats that live in high altitude regions of India. This goat is primarily native to Tibet, Nepal and Ladakh in Jammu Kashmir, India. They are also called Changthangi goats. Additional information: – They survive in the grass and in low temperatures. – The pashmina goat provides wool for the famous cashmere shawl i.e. pashmina shawls. – Pashmina fibers range from 12 to 16 microns. – The pashmina fiber fabric is very soft and warm. – Changthangi goats are bred for ultra-fine cashmere wool. – Pure pashmina is slightly sheer as women lose it because the fiber does not tolerate high tension. – In the Himalayas, the traditional producers of pashmina wool are the Changpa tribes in the region of Ladakh.- They raise pashmina goats for wool and sheep for meat in the harsh climate of Ladakh.- Sheep’s wool is called fleece. It is used in knitwear such as socks and sweaters, and also to make chair covers.- Rabbit wool is called angora because it is obtained from an angora rabbit. It can produce about 3 pounds of hair per year. – Yak wool is warmer than wool and softer than cashmere. – In India, $80 of pashmina wool is produced by the Changpa tribes. – Pashmina shawls are the best kind of shawls with a fiber range of 13 microns or less. – Pashmina is also used to make blankets, which are also very famous. – Pashmina fabrics used for making dresses include $70%$ pashmina blend with $30%$ silk.