By Mool Raj
Numerous Sufi shrines and respected saints are found in the area, drawing followers of all religions. Kashmiri Sufism places a strong emphasis on harmony Kashmir, a scenic Himalayan region state, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped mountains, verdant valleys, tranquil lakes, and flowing rivers. Kashmir is recognized because of its rich cultural legacy that has developed over the ages in addition to its natural beauty. The fusion of several elements has influenced Kashmir’s culture. The area has a distinctive fusion of traditions as a result of its historical ties to Persian and Central Asian civilizations as well as its merger with the Indian subcontinent. The language, food, music, art, and architecture of Kashmir are only a few examples of Kashmiri culture that have undergone this mix. Kashmiri, an Indo-Aryan language with its own alphabet, is the official language of Kashmir. Kashmiri literature has a long history that dates back centuries. Notable poets, intellectuals, and philosophers from the area have each contributed to the literary heritage of the area. Poetry, historical accounts, folktales, and spiritual literature are examples of well-known works. Intricate woodwork, paper-mâché, carpet weaving, shawl embroidery (including the famed Pashmina shawls), and copper and silverware are just a few of Kashmir’s world-recognised crafts.
These items showcase elaborate patterns, delicate motifs, and vivid colours that are distinctive to Kashmiri art. Sufiana Kalam, the local traditional music of Kashmir, combines Persian, Central Asian, and Indian musical styles. It frequently includes soulful voices, a harmonium, a traditional string instrument called a santoor, and a percussion instrument called a tabla. On certain occasions, traditional folk dances like Rouf and Hafiza are performed, highlighting the colourful cultural manifestations of the area. Kashmiri food is renowned for its flavorful aromas. Foods like Rogan Josh (a delicious lamb curry), Yakhni (a beef stew made with yoghurt), Dum Aloo (spiced potatoes cooked in a thick sauce), and Kashmiri Pulao (a fragrant rice dish with almonds and saffron) are examples of traditional fare. The addition of spices like fennel, cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron gives Kashmiri food a unique flavour. Numerous religious and cultural festivals are observed in Kashmir. Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are two important Islamic holidays that are widely observed. There are additional celebrations during the Hindu holidays of Navratri, Maha Shivratri, and Lohri. Holi and Baisakhi are two festivals of cultural importance. Communities come together via these events, which feature music, dance, traditional clothing, and eating.Sufism has a major historical and spiritual presence in Kashmir.
Numerous Sufi shrines and respected saints are found in the area, drawing followers of all religions. Kashmiri Sufism places a strong emphasis on harmony, peace, and spiritual development. Kashmir’s traditional clothing is extremely important since it represents the region’s distinct cultural identity and highlights the extraordinary skill of its craftspeople. Both men and women dress in colourful traditional clothing, which is beautiful to look at. The enduring “Pheran” is the star of the show for ladies. This flowing, long-sleeved dress is embellished with beautiful embroidery in a rainbow of vibrant motifs. As Kashmir has harsh winters, the Pheran not only adds elegance but also offers comfort throughout the cooler months .Kashmiri ladies decorate themselves with exquisite, expertly made jewellery to go with their outfits. Exquisitely crafted bracelets, necklaces, and earrings provide a touch of glitz and further highlight the wearer’s attractiveness.
The jewellery from Kashmir, the Crown of India, completes the traditional attire. Jiggni and Tikka, two incredibly popular jewellery items in the past, were defeated by the new ornamental items. Women typically accessorise their attire with lovely anklets, bangles, and earrings. The married Kashmiri Pandit ladies dress in Dejharoos, which are akin to mangal-sutras from central India. The Dejharoos are two ornamental gold pendants with the same patterns as Southern mangal-sutras. The abaya (also known as a kasaba), which is a common piece of clothing for Muslim women in Kashmir, often completes their appearance. Unmarried Muslim women don skullcaps embroidered in gold thread, and silver jewellery is popular among Muslim females.Kashmiri women are renowned for their dress, jewellery, and their beautiful hair, which they take great care to maintain. They adhere to ages-old, generationally passed-down beauty traditions. Audiences from all around Bollywood as well as the area have been enthralled by the appeal of Kashmiri clothing.
The rich culture of Kashmir has long been admired by the Hindi film industry, and this appreciation is evident in a variety of cinematic representations. Bollywood has continually shown its love for the customs and traditions of this lovely valley, from classic films like Jab Jab Phool Khile in 1965 to more current works like Laila Majnu in 2018. Sharmila Tagore’s stunning outfit in the classic movie Kashmir ki Kali, which left audiences in awe, was one unforgettable scene. Similar to this, actress Nargis Fakri portrayed a gorgeous Kashmiri bride in the 2011 film Rockstar, decked up in a spectacular Kalpush (traditional headpiece) and exquisitely detailed jewellery. These examples demonstrate Bollywood’s strong love for Kashmiri culture’s beauty and splendour, bringing it to a larger audience and encouraging respect for the area’s cultural heritage. Saffron, almond oil, and rose water are popular natural substances that are essential to their beauty regimens.
These elements are used in face packs, hair oils, and skincare products because of their nourishing and revitalising qualities.The beauty practises of Kashmiri women reveal a strong bond with nature and respect for inherited wisdom. Natural substances are used, which not only improves their physical attractiveness but also shows a holistic commitment to self-care. In general, Kashmir’s traditional attire and beauty customs are a monument to the area’s rich cultural legacy, creative skill, and the ever-enduring attractiveness of Kashmiri women. Kashmir’s spectacular natural surroundings, historical influences, and the tenacity of its people are all reflected in the region’s rich cultural tapestry. It is a tapestry that brings together many customs, artistic expressions, and religious practises, making Kashmir a distinctive and alluring cultural destination.
The author is Environmental Science Lecturer who hails from Village Bhagota Distt & Teh Doda.
Disclaimer : (The views expressed in the article are that of the author and does not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the Kashmir Despatch)
