CULTURE

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...

Sheikh Nadeem Hafsa Tanveer, a 10-year-old self-taught artist from South Kashmir's Anantnag district, is pursuing her dream to revive Calligraphy Art. Hafsa Tanveer, who practices calligraphy in all languages, says her hobby has deepened over the past few years. “My calligraphy looks more like a painting. My classmates find it very attractive. It is difficult and time-consuming to create calligraphy with painting brushes. It requires patience and focus,” she said. Hafsa Tanveer, daughter of Tanveer Ahmad Thakur, a 6th Standard Student at Scholars Scientific, hails from DC Colony Mominabad, Anantnag District, says calligraphy is the most intimate, private, and spontaneous form of expression, and it's unique for every person. She wants to pursue this art along with her studies. She ...

Eid-ul-Fitr was joyously observed across Kashmir with great fervor on Wednesday, as throngs of devotees assembled for prayers. Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid was shut by the authorities disallowing eid congregation prayers in the mosque. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the head cleric was placed under house arrest and the mosque locked down on the ocassion of Eid ul Fitr, Anjuman Auqad committee said. In Srinagar, massive congregations were held at Dargah Hazratbal, Khanqah e Moula along with other Khanqahs. In south Kashmir, the largest congregation was held at Eidgah Janglat Mandi where prayers were allowed by authorities post several years. Large number of devotees attended eid prayers as the streets wore a festive look with devotees marching the lanes and streets of the t...

In a heartwarming display of communal harmony, Kashmiri Pandits organised a Street Iftaar in the historic neighbourhood of Bohri Kadal in Downtown Srinagar. Despite the bustling streets and wet weather conditions, the distribution of Iftaar Kits aimed to foster unity and understanding among people of different backgrounds. According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the distribution of Iftaar Kits was led by Sandeep Mawa, a Kashmiri Pandit and a respected figure in the community. Mawa is the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Reconciliation Front. Speaking about the kit distribution, Sandeep expressed his joy at seeing people from all walks of life gathering to share a meal and exchange warm greetings. He emphasised the need for such initiatives to continue bridging d...

Suhail Dar Thousands of Sunnis thronged mosques across Kashmir on Monday to pay homage to the last caliph of Islam Hazrat Ali (RA) on the occasion of his martyrdom anniversary. The martyrdom anniversary is observed on the 21st day of Ramadan. In Kashmir valley, the largest congregation was held at the Hazratbal Khanqah of Srinagar, where the holy relic was displayed to thousands of devotees. Imambargahs across the valley were abuzz with Shia devotees who also prayed for peace in the Kashmir valley. The largest congregations were held in Bemina and Pattan, where Aga Hadi Kashmiri and Molvi Masroor Abbas addressed the gatherings. Local residents expressed their deep respect for the significance of his martyrdom. Amir Hussain, a resident of Zadibal Srinagar, remarked, "This day...

In Srinagar, a 19-year-old young boy, Fazil Jan, is not just preserving but reinvigorating the century-old tradition of Karakuli (Karakul) craftsmanship, a craft passed down through generations in his family. Karakuli caps have been worn by Kashmiri people for centuries and has become a part of the culture and identity of the locals. Taking hold of his family's business, Fazil has blended tradition with innovation, captivating a crowd of diverse clients including politicians like Ghulam Nabi Azad and Rahul Gandhi, as well as ministers and MLAs from Bangalore and Kashmir. Stepping into the shoes of his great grandfather, Fazil embraced the responsibility of running the iconic Karakuli shop in Srinagar after the passing of his grandfather in 2018. Reflecting on his journey, he re...

Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits continued to uphold the age-old bond of brotherhood and communal harmony by jointly performing the last rites of an 84-year-old Kashmir Pandit woman at Kahrote village of South Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday. Local sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the elderly Pandit woman, Soni Raina, wife of Badrinath Raina, was suffering from diabetes and passed away today. The family did not migrate in the 1990s, and she left behind five children. The local Muslims organized and performed her last rites, mourning her death as one of their own, and arranged wood for the cremation in the village. Badrinath Raina, husband of the deceased, said, "We have a strong connection with the Muslim community here in our village. The bond of...