India, Dec. 31 -- Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Kashmiri handicrafts, coupled with frequent exhibitions and growing tourism, has led to a sharp expansion of Kashmiri handicraft stores across India.

From Goa's beaches to Kerala's heritage towns and Hyderabad's bustling markets, authentic Kashmiri products such as Pashmina shawls, papier-mche items, and walnut wood carvings are finding wider acceptance, reversing years of stagnation caused by counterfeit goods.

At Agonda beach in South Goa, the transformation is striking. Just four years ago, the popular tourist stretch had barely five Kashmiri handicraft outlets. Today, the number has crossed 25.

"Our sales were dim earlier as fake products had engulfed the market and damaged the ...