CULTURE

In the heart of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, 65-year-old Khizr Mohammed Dar has spent over five decades nurturing the delicate art of crafting traditional Kashmiri musical instruments. From the Rabab to the Santoor, Sarang, and Saitaar, Khazir’s hands have breathed life into instruments that echo the region’s rich musical legacy, Kashmir News Observer reported. Yet, despite growing demand, Khizr faces an uphill battle against a dwindling pool of artisans and waning interest from younger generations. Khizr’s journey began under the influence of his father, Mohammad Shaban Dar, a celebrated singer. "My father’s passion for music inspired me to delve into this craft," he shared. Starting as a self-taught artisan, Khizr honed his skills locally and eventually established a wo...

As Kashmir’s wedding season is at its peak, a group of young volunteers from Sopore has launched "Panun Wazwaan," a community initiative to assist underprivileged families by providing complimentary wedding feast arrangements across the Valley. Led by a team of five individuals, including Rafiq Mir, Irfan Shah, Faheem Khan, Abdul Rashid, and Yasir Dar, the group has over a decade of experience in catering and event organizing. Their goal is to ensure that families facing financial hardships can still host a traditional Kashmiri wedding celebration without the burden of high expenses. In an interview with Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Rafiq Mir, speaking on behalf of the team, said the idea came to him recently. “When I discussed it with my friends, they immediately supported the co...

The traditional crewel work on Gabba, one of the oldest and most cherished handicrafts of the Kashmir Valley, is facing the threat of extinction due to declining demand. Artisans who have dedicated decades to this craft shared with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the creation of Gabba—embroidered Kashmiri rugs—dates back to the late 16th century during the Mughal era. While crewel work has traditionally enhanced the appeal of Gabba and related items, such as cushions, demand has sharply decreased, they lamented. Syed Noorullah, a crewel artisan with 30 years of experience, lamented that many artisans are struggling to earn a livelihood from this craft. “As a result, many have shifted to other occupations, while a few continue out of passion rather than necessit...

In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, local Muslims in South Kashmir's Pulwama district came together to perform the last rites of a 70-year-old Kashmiri Pandit, Bhushan Lal Ganjoo, who passed away on Monday. Ganjoo, a retired teacher and a respected figure in Lajurah village, about five kilometers from Pulwama town, was well-known for his contributions to the community. With only a few family members present, his Muslim neighbors stepped in to organize and carry out his cremation, arranging wood and shouldering his coffin, treating him as one of their own. "We never saw him as just a Kashmiri Pandit. He was one of us," said Mohammad Abdullah, a local resident, highlighting the deep bond shared with Ganjoo. He noted that Ganjoo had taught thousands of students in the a...

The Kashmir valley has geared up for Eid Milad un Nabi, which is marked with reverence by both Shia and Sunni Muslims across the valley. Eyewitnesses told The Kashmiriyat that various markets and streets in Kashmir have been decorated by the residents for the annual festivity that falls on Tuesday to commemorate the birth anniversary of the final Prophet of Islam, Muhammad ﷺ. They said that shoppers have decorated their shops and the mosques, Khanqahs in the valley are wearing a festive look to commemorate Eid e Milad. People have hoisted Islamic flags atop their houses in the entire Anantnag district, Locals said. “The largest procession is taken out in our town and people make all sorts of arrangements from food to refreshments for the devotees who attend participate in the proc...

Kashmiri Pandits around the globe are celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, traditionally known as Vinayak Tchoram, with great fervor and devotion. This year's festivities, which began on August 7, 2024, are being marked by grand religious events at the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir in Srinagar and the Vessu KP Colony in Anantnag, South Kashmir, Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir Management Committee and Vessu Welfare Committee, South Kashmir Anantnag said in a joint press release issued to The Kashmiriyat The celebrations, similar to last year, include a Hawan (sacred fire ritual) and Prasad distribution, both organized by the Siddhivinayak Ganpatyar Mandir and the Vessu Welfare Committee. These events have received strong support from Shri Bausaheb Rangari Trust, Pune, led by Shri Punit Balan...

Lateef Ahmad Baba, a prominent Kashmiri Waza (Chef), has not only mastered the art of Wazwan but has also taken it to international heights. With a career that spans decades, Baba has become a symbol of Kashmiri hospitality and culture, enchanting food enthusiasts across the globe with his rich, traditional Wazwan dishes. Baba while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that he was born and raised in Srinagar, and that he was introduced to the intricate and labor-intensive cuisine of Wazwan at an early age. “Wazwan, a multi-course meal, is central to Kashmiri culture, often served during weddings and significant events. Each dish in Wazwan requires meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of flavors and spices,” he said. Baba said that he is among ...

In Central Kashmir’s Kanihama village of Budgam district, a master Kani Shawl artist is training a generation to keep Kani Shawls alive. Shabir Ahmad Dar (47), a resident of Kanihama Budgam, who has been associated with Kani Shawl work for decades together has so far trained hundreds of people and is providing them work so as to keep globally famous work alive. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Shabir said that his maternal family has been doing Kani Shawl work for around one century. Due to his tremendous work and dedication, his maternal grandfather Ab Qadir Rangrez received a national award in Kani Shawl work in 1965. "Later my maternal uncle Ab Ahad learned this art, who is at present associated with the work and from him, me and my family have learned t...

The rich fish species in the Veshow river, a major tributary of the River Jhelum in Kulgam district, are gasping for breath in the wake of the looming threat to its aquatic biodiversity due to the adverse impact of pollution. Originating from the oligotrophic Kausarnag Lake and merging with the Jhelum River at Sangam, the Veshow River faces severe water quality degradation due to unchecked pollution and mining activities, posing a grave threat to aquatic life, particularly its trout population, which is now perilously close to extinction. The district administration of Kulgam in August last year organized "Veshow Literary Festival" for two days to celebrate local literature, art, culture, heritage, and traditions. According to the Jal Shakti Department, over six million gallons of...

The 290th weekly session of the Fiction Writers’ Guild, a gathering marked by distinguished figures was held at Srinagar. Those who participated in the event included literary personalities like Dr. Shad Ramzan, the Convener of Sahitya Academy, and Ms. Nayeema Ahmad Mehjoor, an esteemed author and journalist of international renown, gracing the presidium. According to a press release issued to The Kashmiriyat, the session commenced with the members praying for the departed soul of sister of General Secretary of the guild. The session showcased three captivating short stories, each eliciting admiration from the audience. Arshad Mushtaq, a renowned theater activist and dramatist, captivated listeners with his untitled Kashmiri narrative, which intricately depicted the vibrant lif...