CULTURE

In an effort to protect, foster, and disseminate the language, literature, and, by extension, the culture of Jammu Kashmir in the nation's capital, Delhi has initiated the creation of an institution for this purpose, with the backing of the administration of one of the country's newest Union Territories, as reported by the Indian Express. According to sources within the government as reported by the Indian Express, during the celebration of Ladakh and J&K's foundation day at Raj Niwas, the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena was apprised by representatives of the J&K diaspora in the city, primarily displaced migrants, that Delhi lacked a Kashmiri language school and had no institutional support for a language that was slowly diminishing. "The L-G assured them that initially, ...

Bazme Sher O Adab Shumali Kashmir held an esteemed 'Naatiyah Mushaira' on October 28, 2023, at the Girls High School auditorium in Sopore. Eminent poet Tanha Nizami presided over the event, with guests of honor Faiyaz Talgami and Rashid Parveen, Bazme Sher O Adab said in a press statement issued to The Kashmiriyat. The program opened with a Quran recitation by Peer Ali Mohammad, followed by a Naat recitation by student Muzammil from Said School. Yusuf Samim, President of Bazm e Sher o Adab north Kashmir, addressed the gathering, calling for the construction of a cultural hall in Sopore similar to Shervani Hall Baramulla to support cultural and Kashmiri language programs. Hasan Azhar hosted the event, featuring Naatiya poetry recitals by a lineup of poets. Muhammad Saeed Masoodi...

A huge display of faith and devotion was seen at the historic shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdur Qadir Jeelani popularly known as Dastgeer Sahab (RA) at his shrine in Srinagar’s Khanyar area on Friday as thousands of people including elderly and women paid obeisance at the shrine to seek blessings. The men of all ages besides women and children gathered at the revered shrine of Dastgeer Sahab (RA) in Khanyar to the annual Urs of the Sultanul Awliya ( the saint of all saints). On the occasion, the air was filled with an atmosphere of spirituality and unity as devotees, young and old, came together to offer Friday congregational prayers. The annual Urs of Peer-e-Dasgteer (RA) is observed on the 11th of Rabi-ul-Saani. For the past 11 days, Khatamat-ul-Moazamaat including Awraad-e-Qad...

Next time you see Kashmiri Wazwan becoming a household cuisine across India, don’t be surprised. A Kashmiri food technologist is taking the local cuisines of the valley to the India’s top cooking reality show Master Chef India. As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Rukhsar Saeed, a food technologist from Pampore has made it among the final 16 contestants of Master Chef India, which is being broadcasted on Sony Liv. In June, she auditioned for the show and after clearing several stages, she made it to the final 16. Rukhsar said that throughout the show will present the Kashmiri cuisines before the judges in order to promote the local food of the valley. “In Kashmiri, there are thousands of indigenous vegetables and spices. My cooking style is based on innovation ...

A Jammu and Kashmir-based film director has earned worldwide acclaim for his latest cinematic masterpiece, "Country of Blind." As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), after making critically acclaimed films including Lihaaf, Mantostaan and Identity Card, director Rahat Kazmi, who hails from Surankote Poonch, is back with “Country of Blind”. The film which is an adaptation of H.G. Wells “Country of Blind” is entirely shot in Kashmir and also features local artists including Hina Khan , Mir Sarwar, Shoib Shah, Anushka Sen , Inaamulhaq and Pradhuman Singh. The film which as per the makers is shot in both English and Hindi languages. is poised to be a cinematic gem that transcends borders and touches the hearts of viewers. “The majestic Himalayas serve as the setting for th...

To promote handicrafts of Kashmir, the centre in the last three years released more than Rs 1400 crore to Jammu Kashmir. Official figures reveal that the centre in the last three years released Rs 1404.19 to Jammu and Kashmir under National Handloom Development Programme, which is aimed at promoting as well as boosting production of local handicraft goods from the states. Apart from that, Rs 2.84 lakhs have been also released to Jammu and Kashmir Under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) “for assisting the artisans in setting up units with modern infrastructure, adequate training, the latest technology, and human resource development inputs.” With abundant funding and sustained promotional campaigning, official documents also revealed the export of handicr...

Suhail Dar The third month of Islamic lunar calendar, Rabi ul Awal, marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammadﷺ, is commemorated with gaiety and devotion across the Kashmir valley. On Saturday, gatherings were held across the valley on the arrival of the month. In Srinagar's major Khanqahs including Makhdoom Sahab, Dastgeer Sahab and other mosques, hundreds of people attended the religious gatherings. In Shopian, devotees reached Pinjoora grand mosque in large numbers where along with Quran Khawani, the preachers threw light on the life of Prophet Muhammadﷺ. Similar gatherings were held in main town of Shopian, Keller and other areas. Gatherings were held in Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag and north Kashmir districts. These events unite Muslims across ethnicities, transcending...

Baand Pather a traditional medium of information and entertainment, is facing an uphill task for its revival in this digital age. The artists of Wathora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district which used to be the hub of this folklore have expressed concerns over the fading legacy of the art form. Rayees Wathori, a famous artist from Hanjigund, while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said “Baand Pather is an integral part of our cultural heritage. It used to be the heartbeat of our village gatherings. But today, it is struggling to compete with smartphones and television. We fear it may vanish if we don't take action.” “Efforts are being made by local cultural organisations to preserve and revive Baand Pather. We hope that with the right support, this centur...