Kashmir’s Unsung Hero Carves India’s Pride in Frozen Masterpieces
By Irfan Quraishi
Srinagar, 31, Dec, 2024: A windswept valley in Kashmir, where snow falls like a whispered secret, blanketing the earth in pristine white. In this frozen wonderland, Zahoor Din Lone, a quiet visionary from Singhpora Pattan village of Baramulla in North Kashmir, wields a shovel like a paintbrush, transforming fleeting snow into breathtaking sculptures that tell India’s story to the world. This isn’t just art—it’s a cultural revolution, a performance that captivates, entertains, and redefines creativity. Meet the man who’s silently making India an international star, one snowflake at a time.
From Gulmarg’s Slopes to Global Stages:
Zahoor’s journey began in the icy embrace of Gulmarg, where Kashmir’s brutal winters—known as Chillai Kalan—turn the landscape into a sculptor’s dream. While most see snow as a playground or a nuisance, Zahoor saw a canvas. Armed with hatchets, saws, and an unyielding passion, he began crafting intricate sculptures that fuse Kashmir’s artistic heritage with a bold, modern twist. “Snow is alive,” he says, his voice warm despite the chill. “It’s fragile, yet it holds the power to tell stories that last forever.”
“Snow is alive,” he says, his voice warm despite the chill. “It’s fragile, yet it holds the power to tell stories that last forever.”
In 2017, Zahoor, alongside teammates from other parts of country Mridul Upadhyay, Sunil Kushwaha, and Ravi Prakash, formed Team India-Callisto, the first Indian crew to storm the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championship in Colorado, USA. Their debut piece, The Making, was a jaw-dropping tribute to Indian civilization—pillar-like columns and flowing waves carved from a 20-ton snow block, symbolizing unity and cultural evolution. Over five days, in bone-chilling -30°C, they sculpted under the gaze of thousands, their hands numb but their spirits ablaze. They didn’t snag the top prize, but their warmth and grit earned a Special Award for sportsmanship—a hint of the magic to come.
Team India-Callisto’s captivating artistry earned them consecutive international selections starting from 2017. By 2024, Zahoor Din Lone’s team—now featuring Suhail Mohammad Khan, a deaf and mute sculptor from Pulwama, Mridul Upadhyay, and American resident Matt Seeley—made history, clinching a medal at the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championship with their masterpiece, Mind in Meditation. Their sculpture Mind in Meditation clinched a bronze medal at Breckenridge, a serene masterpiece that captured India’s spiritual soul in delicate snow curves. The crowd, bundled against the Colorado cold, stood mesmerized as Zahoor’s team turned a frozen cuboid into a global conversation starter. “This isn’t just our win,” Zahoor beams. “It’s India’s moment to shine.”
Culture That Dazzles, Art That Dances:
Zahoor’s sculptures are more than art—they’re cultural fireworks. Each piece pulses with India’s heartbeat, from the meditative calm of Mind in Meditation to earlier works like a snow-carved Taj Mahal in Gulmarg. Drawing from Kashmir’s centuries-old tradition of intricate woodwork and papier-mâché, Zahoor infuses his sculptures with motifs that feel both timeless and revolutionary. “Our art is a bridge,” he says. “It connects Kashmir’s heritage to the world, entertaining while it teaches. ”And entertain it does. At Breckenridge according to the organizer, where 45,000 spectators flock to witness snow transform into magic, Zahoor’s team is a spectacle. The process is pure theater—shovels slicing through snow, ice chips flying, and crowds cheering as raw blocks morph into intricate forms. “They’re shocked we’re from India,” Zahoor laughs. “They ask, ‘You get snow?’ We show them we don’t just get it—we master it.” It’s performance art meets cultural storytelling, a live show that leaves audiences spellbound. “India’s soul shone through that snow,” said Breckenridge judge Laura Haddad. “Their work was precise, emotive, and culturally rich.”
“They’re shocked we’re from India,” Zahoor laughs. “They ask, ‘You get snow?’ We show them we don’t just get it—we master it.”
“India’s soul shone through that snow,” said Breckenridge judge Laura Haddad. “Their work was precise, emotive, and culturally rich.”
Art as Cultural Diplomacy:
Zahoor’s sculptures transcend aesthetics, serving as ambassadors of India’s heritage. Drawing from Kashmir’s woodwork and papier-mâché traditions, his creations—like a snow-carved Taj Mahal in Gulmarg or Mind in Meditation—weave local motifs into global narratives. This cultural dialogue has tangible impact. In 2024, Gulmarg welcomed over 7.6 lakh tourists, generating ₹100 crore from its Gondola ride alone, per the Jammu and Kashmir Economic Survey. Snow sculpting, Zahoor believes, could amplify this. “An international snow festival in Sonamarg and Gulmarg could draw thousands,” he said, echoing tourism experts, who estimates such events could boost Kashmir’s tourism revenue (7–8% of GSDP, or ₹18,500–21,200 crore annually) by 10–15%.
Defying Odds, Inspiring Dreams:
Zahoor’s path hasn’t been easy. Funding their Breckenridge trips meant scraping together personal savings and leaning on friends, with zero government support. “We knocked on every door,” he recalls. “But rejection only fueled us.” That fire led to triumphs—medals, accolades, and a growing global fanbase. Yet Zahoor’s heart lies in giving back. Alongside Suhail, whose disability only amplifies his brilliance, he mentors young artists in Kashmir, turning snow sculpting into a movement. “There’s so much talent here,” he says. “With a platform, they could conquer the world. ”Suhail’s story adds another layer of inspiration. Communicating through teammates, he shares, “Winning bronze filled me with joy.” His work on Mind in Meditation proved that art speaks louder than words, resonating with audiences and judges alike. Together, Zahoor and Suhail are sparking a snow-sculpting revolution in Kashmir, with local competitions now drawing crowds and nurturing new talent.
Redefining Art and Entertainment:
Zahoor is carving a bold new path where art, culture, and entertainment collide. Snow sculpting isn’t just about the final piece—it’s a live, thrilling act of creation that unfolds before awestruck crowds. His sculptures, though destined to melt, leave lasting echoes, blending India’s spiritual depth with the adrenaline of performance art. From Gulmarg to Colorado, Zahoor’s work challenges stereotypes, showcasing Kashmir as a vibrant hub of creativity, not conflict. His story is cinematic—thinks underdog triumph meets cultural epic. It’s no surprise that outlets like Kashmir Patriot can’t stop talking about him. Each sculpture is a plot twist, each competition a cliffhanger, drawing viewers into a narrative of resilience and artistry.
Yet, for all his global acclaim, Zahoor’s biggest challenge remains at home. Institutional support is scarce, and funding is a constant struggle. He dreams of a day when Kashmir hosts its own international snow-sculpting festival, drawing artists from Finland to Mongolia to the snowy slopes of Sonamarg. “With government backing, we could train a generation of sculptors,” he says. The potential is dazzling—tourism would boom, and Kashmir’s artistic legacy would shine brighter than ever.
A Star in the Snow:
Zahoor Din Lone is no ordinary artist. He’s a trailblazer, a storyteller, and a cultural ambassador who turns snow into India’s pride. His sculptures—fleeting yet unforgettable—entertain, inspire, and unite. As he gears up for his next global stage, Zahoor’s vision is clear: to elevate Indian snow sculpting to dizzying heights and ignite a spark in every young artist watching. In his hands, snow becomes a spotlight, illuminating India’s creativity for the world to see.
Key Points on Snow Sculpting Techniques :
- Snow sculpting involves carving compressed snow blocks into art, using techniques like packing, carving, and detailing.
- Common methods include roughing out with shovels, detailing with chisels and wire loops, and reinforcing with water sprays.
- Artists like Zahoor Din Lone from Kashmir adapt these techniques, blending cultural motifs with international standards, especially in competitions like Breckenridge.
- Research suggests regional variations exist, but specific techniques may align with global practices, with potential unique adaptations due to local snow conditions.
About the Author: Irfan Quraishi, an award-winning multimedia journalist based in Kashmir, brings unsung heroes and cultural gems to life through his storytelling. Reach him at irfanquraishi786@gmail.com.
In Pictures Team India Callisto’s Snow Art Journey: Silently Sculpting India’s Cultural Pride on the Global Stage
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