A.R Bhat
Kashmir, popularly known as ‘Paradise on Earth’, is located in the heart the Himalayas. The state borders Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to the south and China and Pakistan internationally. The valley is part of J&K which consists of two regions, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. However, Ladakh became another UT in February 2019. J&K is known for its culture and heritage. Kashmir’s rich and fascinating culture is famous all over the world. The people, arts, crafts, theatre, literature, dance and music contribute greatly to the height of Kashmiri culture. Its rich history is the icing on the cake, which only adds to the aura of the place. The origin of the Kashmir people is attributed to different races. According to legend, this valley was inhabited by Indian Brahmins and sages in the early days. In fact, before the emergence of Islam in the 14th century, the entire region was inhabited by Brahmins. It is believed that there has been much cultural mixing regarding the origins of the Kashmiri people.
Kashmiri ethnic attire consists of the kurta and salwar worn by men. Worn by men, this kurtisar world dress resembles a Patani costume. But in the valley it is usually called Karndres. They conclude their look with a short Waiskote called Sadri. Women wear salwar kameez with Dupatta and usually cover their heads with a scarf. Ferran completes the look during the winter season with a pashmina shawl. In Kashmir, dance and music have very old roots and are found in many ancient history books including Raja Tarangini, written by a prince named Kalhana in the12th century. Sufiana Kalam is a Kashmiri classical music that uses its own raga (known as maqam) and is accompanied by a 100 string instrument called Saint Tour, along with the Kashmiri words Saz, Setar, Wasor and Dokura. Roof dance is a folk dance that is highly regarded and admired by the Islamic community in the beautiful valleys of Kashmir. In this form of folk dance, women in colourful costumes form two lines and dance face to face. Kashmir is not just a scenic paradise for gourmets.
A Kashmir food tour is a must-see for tasting the local cuisine that will take you on a once-in-a-life time diverse and flavorful journey. Eating Kashmiri is a delicious experience that hangs everywhere on your cell phone for a delicious combination of vegetarian andnon-vegetarian food. Famous foods in Kashmir include Rogan Josh, Dam Olav, Modul Prao, Gostaba, Yakni Ram Curry Riyada Chaman, Kashmir Mujigard, Kaaba, Shabdeg, Matchgand, Butter Tea, Can Beer, Tensuku, Sheermal and Nadir Monji. It is the basic food of Kashmir and has been around for a long time. Kashmir’s hospitality will be even more pronounced during the Jammu and Kashmir festival. There are many festivals in Kashmir that you can attend. Jammu and Kashmir are the crown nations of India. Rich in culture and diversity Kashmiris known for its Islamic culture, but there are also many Hindus who celebrate the festival with much jubilation and fanfare. In addition to national festivals such as Diwali and Holi, Kashmir has its own local festivals. These are performed by local groups and people participate regardless of the irreligious beliefs. Some festivals, like the Hem is Festival, are treated as national holidays to ensure that everyone can attend. That is the importance of festivals to bring people together. Festivals celebrated in Kashmir are Holi or Festival of Colors, Lohrior Magi Festival, Baisakhi Festival, Sri Ramanavami, Navratri, Diwali, Hem is Festival, Tulip Festival, Shikara Festival, Sindhu Darshan – Solid.
Jammu and Kashmir’s magnificent handicrafts have become famous all over the world. Almost everywhere in Kashmir, you can find some kind of elegant work of art, beit cloth embroidery, papier-mâché, steel or woodwork. When it comes to Kashmiri handicrafts, Anantnag and Srinagar villages are very famous for show casing their creative beauty. They are world famous for their carpets and wooden furniture. Antique mitems also include hahtoos hand pashminas hawls. Round ware, brass and silver mware are other interesting items. Kashmir’s famous arts and crafts are carpets, basketry, embroidery, pashmina shawls, paper mash, and tweed and walnut products.
The most dominant of all Kashmiri languages is native Kashmiri. Other common languages in the Kashmir Valley are Urdu, Hindi and English. Kashmiri is an Indo-Aryan language commonly known as Koshur. His second most spoken language in Kashmir is Hindi. It is spoken mainly by Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Gujaris. Kashmir Muslims speak Urdu. The main occupation of Kashmir people is agriculture and related activities. The country’s economic development mainly depends on horticulture. Main produce here includes apples, apricots, cherries, pears, almonds and walnuts.
The state-wide tourism industry has grown significantly, leading to the growth of local transportation, hospitality and handicrafts. The valley of Kashmir attracts many domestic and foreign tourists. Many people in the valley (about 50%-60%) benefit directly or indirectly from tourism to provide employment opportunities for people with skills such as tourist guides, hotel jobs and ponywara (riding). I have received it. Locals have succeeded in attracting tourists who are likely to buy. Since 2016, the political situation in the valley has deteriorated, causing great losses to the J & K people and the tourism industry. According to the government, the tourism sector accounted for 7% of the state’s GDP in 2014, with improved infrastructure and a sharp decline in tourist flow since 2016.
Kashmir’s Hill Station is truly outstandingly beautiful and visiting these hills will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. J&K’s Hill Stations are Sonamarg Hill Station, Grumarg Hill Station, Pahalgam Hill Station and Panitop Hill Station.
J&K National Parks are Hem is National Park, Kishtiwar National Park, Dachigam National Park and Salim Ali National Park. Wildlife Sanctuary includes Wildlife Sanctuary, Ramnagar Wild life Sanctuary, Jaslota Wild life Sanctuary, Nandy Wildlife Sanctuary, and Grumalgu Biosphere Reserve. The most popular gardens are Shalimar Garden, Chishma Shahi Garden, Indra Gandhi Tulip Garden, Belina Gumgar Garden, Paris Mahatma, Nishat Park, Harwan Garden, JavalLar Neru Memorial Botanical Garden, Bandipora, Dal Lake, Shanti Stupa, HazratBar Mask, It’s a buff. Fort, Manasbal Park etc. The pilgrimage centers in Kashmir are Amanath Temple, Maweishab Devi Temple, Rambireshwar Temple, Shankara Charya Temple and Jamia Masjid. The diverse cultural uniqueness and various facets gives it’s a special place in society and is a great traveler’s delight for exploration.
