Srinagar, Dec. 18 -- The festive season has failed to bring relief to Kashmir's centuries-old papier-mache craft.

Global conflicts and increasing tariffs have hit the sector badly this season. Artisans say sales during Christmas and New Year - traditionally a peak period - have dropped sharply.

Maqbool Jan, a renowned papier-mache artisan from Srinagar, said demand for the craft has declined by more than 60 per cent compared to previous years. "This year was not good for papier-mache. We witnessed losses throughout the year, and the year-end is no different. The demand during Christmas and New Year has not been satisfactory," Jan said.

While orders have started trickling in over the past few weeks, Jan noted that the volumes remain low...