Paper Mâché Touch at Holy Family Catholic Church This Christmas Lifts Tourism Hopes
Festive décor blending Kashmiri craftsmanship with Christmas celebrations draws visitors, signals gradual tourism revival
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Decked up with traditional paper mâché décor and warm festive lighting, Srinagar’s Holy Family Catholic Church this Christmas has emerged not only as a place of worship but also as a quiet symbol of renewed tourism hope in the Valley after months of uncertainty.
The church has been adorned with handcrafted paper mâché stars, nativity cribs and ornamental panels, showcasing Kashmir’s age-old craft tradition. The blend of local artistry with Christmas celebrations has attracted worshippers, tourists and local visitors alike, adding vibrancy to the city’s festive atmosphere.
“This year, we consciously chose to highlight Kashmiri art in our Christmas decorations,” said a senior priest at Holy Family Catholic Church.
“Paper mâché represents peace and coexistence. Seeing tourists visit the church during Christmas gives us confidence that normalcy is returning,” he said.
Tourists visiting Srinagar during the festive season said the décor offered a unique cultural experience.
“The use of paper mâché makes the church décor very special and local,” said a tourist from Maharashtra. “It reflects harmony and the warmth Kashmir is known for,” he added.
Srinagar hoteliers believe such festive cultural landmarks help rebuild traveller confidence.
“When tourists step out to explore places like the Holy Family Church, it indicates growing comfort and trust,” said a hotelier in the city centre. “These small developments collectively point towards a gradual tourism revival.”
Local artisans involved in the decoration work said the initiative also provided timely livelihood support.
“We received good appreciation for our work,” said a paper mâché artisan. “Tourist interest in our craft is encouraging and gives us hope for more opportunities,” he added.
With tourist arrivals improving in Srinagar and nearby destinations during Christmas and New Year, stakeholders feel such culturally rooted celebrations will strengthen Kashmir’s image as a welcoming and inclusive destination.
As the Valley welcomes the New Year, the festive glow at Holy Family Catholic Church stands as a reflection of resilience, cultural harmony and cautious optimism for tourism’s road to recovery.
