Srinagar, August 04, 2026: Few places in the world have inspired people across generations like Kashmir. Known as ‘paradise on earth’, its beauty lies not only in its landscapes, but also in its people, traditions, and craftsmanship. Inspired by this spirit, Asian Paints, in collaboration with St+art Foundation and XXL Collective, has unveiled two landmark public art initiatives in Srinagar – Aks-e-Kashmir, which transforms forty iconic shikaras on Dal Lake into floating artworks, and the Kashmir chapter of ‘Donate A Wall’, marking the tenth year of the public art initiative with a mural at the University of Kashmir. Together, these initiatives celebrate Kashmir’s culture, and heritage.
Aks-e-Kashmir: Forty Shikaras Celebrate Stories of Kashmir
For generations, the shikara has been one of Kashmir’s most cherished symbols, reflecting the Valley’s beauty, culture and way of life. With Aks-e-Kashmir, Asian Paints, in collaboration with XXL Collective, has transformed forty of these iconic shikaras into floating works of art that celebrate Kashmir’s heritage.
Created by four contemporary artists Owais Ahmed, Sheehij Kaul, Zahra Javed and Shweta Sharma each shikara explores a unique theme of Kashmir.
Using Asian Paints’ colours, wood finishes and fabrics each shikara has been thoughtfully designed to bring the artworks to life. Asian Paints Royale Glitz and Apcolite Premium Enamel add a subtle shimmer to the artworks, allowing them to reflect the changing light on Dal Lake. Asian Paints Wood Finish enhances the handcrafted wooden canopies and frames, while Ador and Pure Royale fabrics add comfort and elegance to the interiors Together, they offer visitors a new way to experience Kashmir’s stories, art and traditions.
The initiative builds on Asian Paints’ long-standing association with Kashmir, following the Aks-e-Kashmir Shade Guide and the special edition Apex Ultima Kashmir Pack inspired by the region’s colours, textures and architecture.
Donate A Wall Comes to Kashmir, Marking Ten Years of the initiative
Asian Paints flagship public art initiative, Donate A Wall has come to Kashmir celebrating a decade of transforming public spaces across India.
Created in collaboration with St+art Foundation and the University of Kashmir, the 11,500 sq. ft. mural on the iconic Allama Iqbal Library Building is designed by Srinagar-based architect and artist, Zoya Kashmiri and painted by local artists. Inspired by the University’s motto, “तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय” (From Darkness to Light), the mural celebrated knowledge, imagination and Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
Created using Asian Paints Apex Ultima Protek, the mural is designed to withstand changing weather conditions and remain vibrant for years. The University of Kashmir is the latest addition to Donate A Wall, which has transformed 24 public spaces across 18 cities over the past decade.
Speaking about the initiative, Amit Syngle, Managing Director & CEO, Asian Paints Ltd., said, “At Asian Paints, we’ve always believed that the most meaningful way to celebrate a place is by celebrating what makes it uniquely its own. For centuries, Kashmir has inspired admiration not only for its extraordinary landscapes, but for the people, craftsmanship and traditions that have shaped its identity. Through Aks-e-Kashmir and the Kashmir chapter of Donate A Wall, we wanted to create something that belongs to the Valley and reflects its living heritage. We hope these initiatives invite both residents and visitors to experience Kashmir through its stories, its artistry and the remarkable cultural legacy that continues to inspire generations.”
Arjun Bahl, Co-founder, St+art Foundation and XXL Collective, said “Projects like Aks-e-Kashmir and the Donate A Wall mural at the University of Kashmir, which also marks a decade of the initiative, reflect our continued belief in taking art beyond conventional spaces and making it part of everyday public life. While the mural carries forward the legacy of Donate A Wall, the reimagined shikaras on Dal Lake offer a new canvas for artistic expression rooted in Kashmir’s culture and traditions. We are grateful to Asian Paints the artists, artisans, boat owners and production teams who brought this vision to life.”
Professor Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, said: “We are delighted to partner with Asian Paints and St+art Foundation for the landmark tenth edition of ‘Donate A Wall’. The breathtaking mural on our Allama Iqbal Library façade brings our university’s motto – “From Darkness to Light’ – to life in a truly powerful way. This initiative does more than just transform our university’s architecture; it enriches our academic environment, instills a sense of pride in our student community, and celebrates Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage right at the heart of our campus.”
Asian Paints Limited:
Asian Paints is India’s leading paint and decor company and ranked among the top 8 coatings companies in the world with a consolidated turnover of ₹ 35,516 crore (₹ 355 billion) in FY’26 and with a market capitalization of approx. ₹ 2,627* billion. Asian Paints along with its subsidiaries have operations in 14 countries across the world with 25 paint manufacturing facilities, servicing consumers in over 60+ countries through Asian Paints, Apco Coatings, Asian Paints Berger, Asian Paints Causeway, SCIB Paints, Taubmans and Kadisco Asian Paints. Asian Paints also offers a wide range of Home Décor products and is an emerging strong player in the Home Improvement and Décor space in India.
Note: Market capitalization is as on June 15, 2026
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