Weren’t we all fascinated by the magical stories of witches and wizards, elves and fairies? As a kid I remember waiting eagerly, every night for my grandmother to open her Pandora box full of stories. I’d listen to her awestruck and mesmerized to get transported to a new world. Kashmir has a rich tapestry of stories and folklore that are deeply rooted in its history, culture, and natural beauty. These stories have been passed down through generations and often reflect the struggles, triumphs, and unique traditions of the people of Kashmir. Let us immerse ourselves in few interesting stories. There are so many places in Kashmir which speak a different story to us. One of the famous Kashmiri legends is the story of the Vitasta River, known as Jhelum. According to the legend, the river, a beautiful princess named Vitasta, fell in love with the sun god, Surya. However, their love was not meant to be, as the sun god’s rays were too intense for the princess. Instead, they transformed their love into a river, and Surya’s rays gently kissed the waters of the Vitasta.
Sonamarg, or the “Meadow of Gold,” is said to have gotten its name from a local legend which believes that a group of fairies used to descend from the skies to play on the meadows, and their dance and laughter turned the grass into gold. According to folklore, Yusmarg was once the abode of Jesus (Isa) during his lost years. It is believed that he visited the meadow and blessed it with his presence, leaving behind his footprints on a rock, which can still be seen today. The Lolab Valley, known for its breathtaking beauty, has its share of mythical tales. Legends speak of hidden treasures and mystical creatures that are said to reside in the remote corners of the valley. Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, is associated with various ghost stories and eerie tales. Local folklore speaks of spirits haunting the lake and mysterious occurrences happening around its shores. Not just places but people too were associated with folktales.
Habba Khatoon was a renowned poetess and a queen who lived during the 16th century. Her poetry depicted her love for her husband, King Yusuf Shah Chak, and the melancholy she experienced during their separation when the king was exiled. In this romantic Kashmiri folktale about a young couple, Yemberzal and Pyari, who were deeply in love, their love story faces various challenges, but their devotion and perseverance triumph in the end, symbolizing the power of love. Kolohai, a wicked sorceress had immense power and would kidnap children to increase her magical strength. A brave saint named Sheikh-ul-Arifeen fought against her and finally defeated Kolohai, setting the captured children free. Bub Afsanay is a collection of Kashmiri folktales and stories that have been orally transmitted over generations. These stories often carry moral lessons and serve as a means of entertainment for both children and adults. Neembu Churh, meaning “The Lemon Thief,” is a popular humorous folk story. It revolves around a clever fox named Neembu Churh, who tries various tricks to steal lemons from a farmer’s orchard. However, each time he attempts to do so, he is outwitted by the farmer and his friends.
Hamza Makhdoom was a revered saint who lived in Kashmir during the 16th century. Legends tell of his spiritual journey and miraculous powers, which earned him immense respect and followers. His shrine, the Makhdoom Sahib Shrine in Srinagar, remains a prominent religious site in the region. There are more such lesser-known stories and facts about Kashmir, like The Story of Rajdhan, a mythical creature in Kashmiri folklore, often described as a giant serpent. Legends say that Rajdhan guarded hidden treasures and precious gems within the mountains of Kashmir, making it an intriguing part of local folklore. The Mystery of the Whispering Trees: This legend tells of certain ancient trees in the region that are said to whisper and communicate with each other. According to the folklore, these trees have spirits dwelling within them, and on certain nights, they share their wisdom and secrets through soft whispers that can only be heard by those with pure hearts. The Tale of the Flying Carpets: In some remote villages of Kashmir, there’s a folk story about magical flying carpets that were believed to exist in ancient times. According to the tale, these carpets could transport people to distant lands and were said to be used by mystical travelers and sages for their journeys.
The Legend of the Lost Kingdom: There are whispers of an ancient and mysterious lost kingdom hidden deep within the valleys of Kashmir. According to local folklore, this kingdom was said to be ruled by benevolent kings who possessed extraordinary powers and knowledge. The location of this mythical kingdom remains a mystery, and some say it can only be found by those destined to discover its secrets. The Haunting Melodies of the Wailing Stream: The story of a haunted stream in the mountains of Kashmir, where it is said that the water emits haunting melodies during the night. Locals believe that the stream’s sorrowful songs are the echoes of ancient spirits lamenting their past. The Legend of the Healing Hermit: This tale revolves around a reclusive hermit who lived high in the mountains of Kashmir. It is said that the hermit possessed profound knowledge of healing herbs and remedies, and people would seek his wisdom to cure ailments and find solace in his presence. These are just a few examples of the many captivating stories that Kashmir has to offer. The region’s cultural richness and traditions have contributed to a treasure trove of myths and tales that continue to inspire and enchant people to this day.
Kashmir: BJP celebrates party victory in Delhi Assembly election
Srinagar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers in Kashmir celebrated party's victory in Delhi Assembly election, at the party...
Read more