Srinagar, Aug 08: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has extended congratulations to two outstanding weavers, Manzoor Ahmad Hajam and Fayaz Ahmad Wani, from Kanihama, Budgam, who have been conferred with the prestigious National Handloom Award in recognition of their contribution to the field of Kani weaving. They were conferred with the National Award for their joint entry – Chand-Daar Kani Shawl – by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during a glittering function held at New Delhi to commemorate National Handloom Day. "By winning such a prestigious award, the master weavers have brought the Kani weaving technique to the forefront of the crafts sector, which will surely open up new vistas of business opportunities for the high-value craft," the spokesperson added. The award, which carries a citation and cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh, is for a rare form of Kani weaving technique guided by coded Talim scripts to ensure absolute precision, featuring nearly 20 distinct hues to recreate an antique masterpiece. "They have become role models for thousands of weavers in Kashmir, and the entire craft community celebrates this joyous moment with great pride," he added.