Budgam, Sept. 8 -- For 32 years, Mushtaq Ahmad Dar has been keeping alive a traditional Kashmiri craft- handcrafting indigenous musical instruments while urging younger generations to learn skills that can offer a sustainable livelihood.

The 40-year-old artisan from Narbal in Budgam district began learning the craft from his father when he was eight. Today, he makes several traditional instruments, including the Rabab, Santoor, Saz-e-Kashmir, Kashmiri Sitar, Sikh Rabab and Surnai.

Dar spends nearly two months crafting a single instrument. He carefully selects mulberry wood and prioritises quality over speed. His instruments are ordered by customers from Jammu and Kashmir as well as different parts of the country.

For Dar, however, pres...