CULTURE

Ghulam Nabi Bulbul, a celebrated Kashmiri singer and folk dancer known widely for his contributions to traditional music and performance, passed away this morning at his residence in Batsuma village of Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. He was 75. Popularly known as Hamli Bulbul, the artist was a prominent figure in Kashmir’s folk scene for decades, earning admiration for his soulful singing and distinctive dance performances, often featuring the rare act of balancing a glass of water on his head. Born in 1949, Bulbul began his artistic journey in childhood, performing in local school events before receiving formal training under the noted musician Khazir Mohammad Shah. He went on to master traditional instruments such as the sarangi and became a household name through h...

Rayees Shah Under the shade of ancient chinar trees and amidst heightened security, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits converged today at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla to celebrate the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, locally called Zyeth Atham. This significant religious gathering, held on Jyeshtha Ashtami, symbolizes not only spiritual devotion but also the resilience of a community reconnecting with its roots. The Kheer Bhawani temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, holds profound significance for Kashmiri Hindus. Historical texts like Kalhana's Rajatarangini reference the sacred spring at Tula Mula, believed to change colors as an omen. The temple's current structure was established by Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early 20th century and later renovated by Maharaja...

In a remarkable testament to interfaith harmony, Gulzar Hussain, a Muslim resident of Budgam district, has quietly dedicated decades of his life to preserving the sanctity of the historic Dia-Nag Shiv Temple. His selfless service has become a symbol of Kashmir’s enduring spirit of communal coexistence. Every morning, after offering prayers at his local mosque, Gulzar visits the temple to clean its premises and light an oil lamp, an act of reverence that he performs not out of obligation but out of devotion and respect for his Hindu brethren, especially the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. “Even if they can’t visit often, I want them to feel blessed when they come,” he told the news agency Kashmir News Trust. His consistent care of the temple, even in the absence of regular vis...

Firdous Qadri For nearly half a century, Abdul Rahman Kumar of Dalgate, Srinagar, has stood among the crowds at Hajj departure points, offering prayers, shedding tears, and bidding heartfelt farewells to pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey. Yet, despite his deep devotion and longing, he has never had the chance to perform Hajj himself. Year after year, without fail, Kumar—now in his seventies—comes to see off the departing pilgrims. Dressed in simple clothes and wearing a timeworn smile, he raises his hands in silent prayer, wishing the travelers well. “It gives me peace,” he says softly, “to be near those chosen by Allah for this holy journey, even if I am not among them.” Living in poverty, Kumar has never been able to afford the pilgrimage. Still, his faith remains unsh...

In a powerful act of interfaith solidarity, a Kashmiri Sikh from Tral’s Sehmu village has donated a portion of his land to restore access to a local Muslim graveyard that had been inaccessible for nearly four years. Pushvinder Singh, a retired social activist and former leader of the Farmer Trade Union, stepped forward to end the impasse by arranging a land exchange that allowed for the creation of a six-foot-wide, ninety-foot-long path leading to the Sheikh Mela Sehmu Barra graveyard. “I changed my land and in return gave the land to another landlord,” Singh told *Kashmir Bulletin*. “I left these brothers six feet and ninety feet of way.” The blocked route had caused distress among residents who had no proper access for funeral processions. Singh said his decision was rooted in t...

The 460th Urs-e-Pak of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Baba Hyder Reshi (RA), popularly known as Reshmol Sahib, commenced on April 27 and will continue until May 1, 2025. Devotees from across South Kashmir have gathered to observe five days of spiritual celebrations marked by deep reverence and devotion. A special night-long prayer gathering (Shab Khawani) is scheduled to be held on April 29, 2025, starting at 10:30 PM and continuing until Fajr prayers at the Khanqah of Hazrat Baba Hyder Reshi (RA) in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. The event is expected to draw thousands of faithful, who will engage in prayers, recitations, and supplications. In respect and honor of Hazrat Reshmol Sahib, people across south Kashmir traditionally abstain from consuming meat, chicken, and fis...

In the aftermath of the tragic militant attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists and left several others injured, Sikh community across Kashmir have stepped forward with an extraordinary gesture of compassion and solidarity. Gurudwaras in Anantnag, Budgam, Pulwama, Srinagar, and Baramulla have opened their doors to tourists, offering them shelter, food, and a sense of belonging amid uncertainty. The attack, which occurred at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22 and was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), marks one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region in recent years. In response, a message from the Sikh community has gone viral, reading: “To all our beloved tourists, every Gurudwara across Kashmir stands with its doors open for you. Wherever you ar...

Shah Basit In a heartwarming display of honesty and compassion, a local resident of Sonmarg in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district returned a tourist's lost bag—containing cash, an iPhone, and several important belongings—completely untouched. The incident occurred on Saturday when a tourist woman misplaced her bag while enjoying the scenic beauty of Sonmarg, a popular destination. Panic quickly set in as she realized the bag contained her phone, a significant amount of money, and other valuable items. However, what could have been a distressing experience turned into a moment of awe and admiration when a local man found the bag and promptly ensured its return. “I had given up hope,” said the tourist, who wished to remain unnamed. “But the way the local people helped me, I ...

In a landmark achievement securing the unique craftsmanship of artisans, 8 more traditional products of Kashmir have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certificates by GI Registry, Chennai, based on their sources of origin. GI registration provides legal protection against counterfeit products, prevents unauthorized use, boosts exports, and promotes economic prosperity for producers of goods associated with a specific geographical territory. Giving details, a spokesman from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, today stated that Kashmir Namda, Kashmir Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Kashmir Tweed, Crewel, Kashmir Chain Stitch, Shikara and Wagguv have secured GI registration. With this, he said, the total number of GI registered crafts has reached 15, wit...

Sufi Hidayah Kashmir, as seen through the lens of Indian media and mainstream cinema, is often reduced to a land of turmoil, where minorities live in fear. The dominant narrative paints it as inherently divisive, a region where religious coexistence is impossible. But beyond these curated portrayals, there are places like Trehgam in Kupwara that tell a different story—one of harmony, shared heritage, and a refusal to be divided by politics. Located 7 km from Kupwara town, Trehgam is home to an ancient Shiv Mandir, a grand Jamia Masjid, and the revered shrine of Sufi saint Syed Ibrahim Bukhari (RA). These places of worship stand side by side, reflecting a history where faiths coexisted without the divisions that political forces now seek to impose. "They chant Ram Ram, and we ca...