The folklores of Kashmir have an important place in the culture of India, which is very interesting, enchanting and has rich historical significance. Kashmiri, the major language of the region, is an offshoot of Sanskrit which was further enriched by Persian influence during Muslim rule and later by Urdu. Its rich vibrant lives in its songs and art of narrating stories – Dastaans. Folk songs in Kashmir preserve the myths, customs, traditions and legends of days bygone. Kashmiri folk songs have considerable variety of theme, content and form, which can broadly be classified into opera and dance songs. Also, there are songs celebrating particular season, occupation or events like weddings. Kashmir also has abundance of folk tales, which are unique and original. Many of them like ‘Zohra Khatun and Haya Bund’, ‘Gulala Shah’, ‘Gul Noor’ and ‘Himal Nagray’ are distinctly Kashmiri in origin. ‘Wazir Mal’ & ‘Lal Mal’ are few of the known Kashmiri dialect tales which the villagers cherish as their treasured heritage.

 Kashmiri folk literature is one of the richest in the world having tones of folktales, riddles, folk songs and ladishah. Ladishah is a unique and extra ordinary social character, who exposes all calamities, social imbalances, economic exploitation, religious exploitation, historical events etc. Assimilation of Sanskrit and Persian added a lot of folk literature in Kashmiri language. Folklore is a hallmark of Kashmiri people in general and a sign of pride in particular, however, the present generation has almost forgotten these and there have been visible signs and dangers of losing this art and culture. New generations should be made aware of this rich legacy. The revival of these cultures can help to maintain peace, prosperity and tranquillity in the valley through its introduction in schools/ colleges and organizing cultural programs during various celebrations, hence it needs deliberate study and well-planned implementation strategy.

Folklore is that distinct part of any society which can change or redirect the behavioral pattern of masses as well as children, and hence every attempt must be made to preserve and proliferate this art. Kashmiri folklore can help to develop new environment through well planned implementation in schools, colleges, public places, Institutions, community halls and Counseling and Guidance centers. The implementation Strategy must focus on wide spread awareness campaigns through cultural programmes, folklores and social programmes.

Cultural programmes should be inaugurated in schools and student’s participation should be encouraged as audience as well as performers. This will allow the effect to go down to the family. Introduction of folklores through language teacher or sociologist needs deliberate consideration. Both can interpret the value of these tales and facilitate in wide-spread absorption, as the treasure of these tales can open the stagnated and self-obsessed minds of young generation. Folktales have sufficient scope for amusement, recreation, historical pride and social character and these qualities can redirect the fixed and stationary minds into a peaceful and harmonious agenda of life. The Kashimiri people need its immediate implementation because the whole community has been engulfed with uncertainty, despair, alienation and insecurity from last three decades due to security situation in the state. Folklore can help explore new ways for guiding the youth on righteous path & overall betterment of the state. Public places, community halls and auditoriums can be utilised for cultural activities including folklore elements. This practice can open closed doors which can maintain balance in the human minds which can provide healthy treatment to disrupted and disturbed minds and hearts. Every event should be broadcast with new methods for presentation & implementation of cultural programmes having folklore tastes. Government patronage for renovation of folk theatres, clubs, encouraging of folk drama and organisation of special events at suitable places with secure atmosphere will go a long way in supporting the cause. This will ensure more and more participation of locals, thus channeling the focus and energy of people, especially youngsters and children, in the direction of preserving ‘Kashmiriyat’. Folklore can divert conscious attention of people of the state to rejuvenate the old memories of the region, which was rich in all respects and thus, help the people to overcome all mental ailments. Folklores can also revive the inclusive culture of Kashmir popularly known kashmiryat.