Sheikh Fayaz Ahmed
The multiverse of culture and heritage of the UT of Kashmir is the selling point of the state throughout the globe. The facets like crafts, literature, history, architecture and beauty contributes to the Kashmiri culture. The state is also known for the mixture of the varied culture and religion. The locals of Kashmir who are of ethnically linguistic factions are often referred to as Kashmiris. The erstwhile populace of the state lives in Pakistan and Northern Punjab. The state can be well understood as a war child of the partition of 1947. The ethics and speech of the indigenous people is not very different from those of the Pakistani counterparts. The influence of Sanskrit language can be found in many parts of the state. Influence of Central Asian countries and Persia can also be seen in the culture of Kashmir. These blends form an important aspect in the Kashmiri ethos. Apart from the above, the valley is also well known for its indigenous handicrafts and architecture.
In consonance with the diversity of the nature and people, the wardrobe of the state is also vibrant. The traditional dresses paired with the exquisite jewelry make the women a charm and beauty which is unseen in other regions. The jewelry comprises of necklaces, armlets and earrings. In some parts of the state, headgear made of jewels are also worn by the women. During summers, loose salwar kameez is worn by the women. In winters however, the traditional dress Pheran is worn by both men and women. The Pheran worn by women is decorated with spellbinding karigari (embroidery work). The men on the other hand wear skullcaps and headgear according to the weather. During summers to dissipate the heat, the men wear Kurta pajama the traditional dress of the UT. Due to some influence of Persia and the Middle Eastern Countries, the Pathani kurta is also famous in the area. During winters the men also wear the traditional Pheran. Though less vibrant the men’s Pheran keeps the body warm during the harsh winters of the area. The fabric used to weave these apparels hugely depends on the weather and season. Headgear of the women are large up to the shoulders. These traditional dresses hugely represent the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Dance and music are the main source of entertainment in the area. Words like elegant and magnificent come to mind when the harmonies of Kashmir are spoken about. The festivals in Kashmir are joyful and celebrations, which attract a huge following of locals to the area. Throughout the area a wide variety of dance forms can be seen which are based upon the occasion. Mask Dance is performed during the Hermit Festival. Some other dance forms in the region are Chakri, Rouf, Bhand Pather, Hafiza, Kud, and Bacha Nagma. The folk music in the area will make anyone to tap their feet. Major musical instruments in the area are Sitar, Damru, and Nagara. These musical instruments apart from the festivals, can also be heard on occasions like weddings and common get togethers. Apart from the above, songs are clubbed with the music to make the celebrations more joyous. The main song forms which are widely used in the area are mainly Wanwun, Ghazals, Choral and Sufi.
The cuisine in Kashmir is both delicious and extravagant. The cuisine in Kashmir caters for both the vegetarians and the non-vegetarians. For the meat lover’s delight there is a wide variety in the platter. The local cuisine offers dishes like Kashmiri Kebab, Pasanda, Syun Alu, Yakhni, and Methi Keema. For the vegetarian delight there is no need to worry as the cuisine offers myriad of dishes like Rajmah, Shree Pulao, Ladyar Tsaman, and Nadir Yakhaen. A meal is never complete without the Dessert. The Kashmiri cuisine offers desserts like Sevaiyaan, Phirni and Barfi. The staple crops are Maize and Potato which are included in almost all cuisine platter. Kashmiri Dum Aloo is one of the most famous and relished preparation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Mughal and Afghan influence in the region can also be seen in the food as the dishes like Mughlai Paneer
and Afghani Paneer are widely accepted in the region. Kashmiris are known for their hospitality. Popular beverages are Hot Tea and Kahwa. Salted Tea or commonly known as Nun Chai is also served here with freshly baked breads. For the spiritual ones, there is Vaishno Devi Temple, Amarnath Caves and a No of Mosques with intricate local wood work and carved architecture.Kashmir, a land of zeal and enthusiasm is well known for festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr, Lohri, Holi, Tulip Festival, Shikara Festival, Hemis Festival, Gurez Festival, and Sindu Darshan. Each festival has significance to culture, tradition, flaura, fauna, natural beauty and occasion to celebrate and fervour.
The culture and traditions of Kashmir are a mirror image of the dwellings in the area. The famous saying by the Poet Amir Khusro ‘Gar Bar-ru-e-ZaminAst; HaminAst, HaminAst HaminAst’ literally translates to ‘If there is Heaven on earth; it is here, it is here, it is here’. Tourism is a flourishing established industry owing to the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir. The Dal and Manasbal Lakes are world renowned water bodies and Tourist Destinations. Shikaras used for transportation and livelihood have become major Tourist attraction as Shikara Rides since few decades. There are five National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir viz Dachigam, Kazinag, Kishtwar, Salim Ali and Hemis-High Altitude National Park.
