CULTURE

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...

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in India is preparing to showcase the art of Kashmir to the spouses of the G20 leaders on September 9. NGMA has collaborated with Wrap Studio to promote traditional Kashmiri art and handicrafts. According to the ANI reports, a 45-minute tour at the 'Roots and Routes: Past Present and Continuous' will be provided to spouses of leaders participating in G20. NGMA's exhibit features a range of art and handicrafts from Kashmir, such as pashmina shawls, quilts, and other handcrafted items. Pashmina shawls are one of the most iconic pieces of Kashmiri art. These hand-dyed and intricately woven shawls are made from the fine wool of the Changthangi goat and embody centuries of craftsmanship and tradition. The shawls come in a variety of styles, ...

Over 95% of Pashmina is manufactured in Kashmir and yet there is no testing lab in Valley. The two Pashmina testing labs are in Dehradun and Kolkatta, much suffering to the people associated with the export business of shawls and Pashmina. Scores of people from the Kashmir Valley doing pashmina business are being questioned by Enforcement Directorate (ED). Sources told news agency Kashmir News Trust that Custom authorities mostly stop export consignments of Kashmiri businessmen at Delhi airport after they confuse Pashmina guard hair with shreds of Shahtoosh. This confusion on part of Custom authorities has created problems for Kashmiri businessmen. “Not only their export consignments are being stopped but it takes months together to get the report from the testing labs at Kolkatta an...

The administration in north Kashmir's Bandipora district is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming ‘Chota Amarnath Yatra,’ scheduled to kick off on August 31. Nestled in Arin Valley's dense forests on a Himalayan mountaintop, the Maha Daneshwar temple, also known as ‘Chhota Amarnath,’ houses a naturally formed ice lingam. Water droplets gently cascade onto this lingam from above. The pilgrimage to this cave takes just a day, with the narrow space inside accommodating only 7 to 8 individuals. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the Yatra, covering a 15-kilometer-long route through the picturesque Arin-Dardpora belt, will wind its way via Shampthan, concluding at the sacred Chota Amarnath Cave. Local residents have expressed their support for the ...

Thousands of Kashmiri Muslims on Sunday took out processions in parts of the valley to commemorate the 25th Muharram Jaloos, dedicated to Imam Zainul Abideen (AS). The main processions were taken out in Srinagar's Shalimar area, Budgam, Pattan Baramulla along with other places. The streets were adorned with black flags and banners, reflecting the somber occasion of the 25th Muharram and the significance of Imam Zainul Abideen (AS), who was the son of Imam e Husain and the only male survivor at Karbala. The annual Muharram Jaloos serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Imam and his companions, evoking emotions of grief, reflection, and unity. Two of the largest gathering was held in Baramulla, which was addressed by Moulana Masroor Ansar and Moulana Iftikhar ...

A twelve-year-old girl from south Kashmir’s Shopian has written 30 chapters of the holy Qur’an by hand in just 60 days. Soliha Shafi, daughter of Mohammad Shafi Bhat, from Watchi Shopian, is a student in the 8th class at Al-Saba School Watchi. Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Soliha said she wrote the holy Qur’an on close to around 750 pages. “I started reciting the Qur’an when I was 4 years old. I have memorised five chapters of the holy book,” she said. A local Imam Sahib comes to our residence on a daily basis to teach us the holy Qur’an and after seeing my handwriting, he suggested I write the Qur’an, the girl said, adding, “It was a challenging task and I had to balance the studies and writing the Qur’an.” “I would like to thank my parents for sup...