Kashmir RootStock

Baking Delights of Kashmir

Each morning, at the break of dawn, the first shops to open are those of local bakers or Kandurwans, the lanes of Srinagar witness people quietly going to these shops and buy Girda bread which is like a Naan. The Girda goes well with Noon Chai or the pink tea and is a staple breakfast throughout…

Ayesha Aziz : India’s Youngest Female Commercial Pilot

She developed her love for flying during her frequent travel to Srinagar as a child with her parents. She would undergo 5-day schooling and would train for flying at the weekends. And finally in 2012, she secured her flying license from Bombay Flying Club. Teenage often finds youngsters toiling between education, family, love and the…

Drangyari, Kashmir’s Hidden Gem Place

Picturesque Kupwara District, which borders the Line of Control, is considered the ‘crown’ of the Vale of Kashmir. The district boasts gorgeous valleys, all of them barely visited and waiting to be explored. These valleys lie between the northern Himalayan range and the snowy pinnacles of the Shamsabari Range that enclose the Vale of Kashmir to the west. The proximity of the Bangus and Drangyari valleys to the LoC, just over the passes on the Shamsabari Range, meant they were closed to the traveller for long.

5 Reasons why fall camping is the best

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Kashmir Marks 5 August for Article 370

On 5 Aug 2021, it shall be two years since Article 370 and 35A got abrogated in Jammu & Kashmir. To exude a sense of what people of Kashmir feel and resonate with the day, this poem is handpicked from Saira, a school student from Baramulla old town. August 5th, a daythat marked history.A history…

DPS Srinagar Girl Bags International Scholarship

Maleeha, a student of Class 12th of Delhi Public School, Srinagar, has bagged a US $70,000 scholarship to the prestigious Georgetown Washington University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar. Growing up in a joint family, Maleeha says that it has helped her value relations and the people around her.

I am Chinar

I am Chinar, the king of all trees, the evergreen soulmate of Kashmir, standing tall since ages to guard this heaven on earth. I grow as tall as 25 meters, with girth exceeding 50 feet in some cases. My deep roots provide me strength and stability like the ancient heritage of Kashmir. I figure notably…

Kashmir’s First Online Grocery Store: Groxery

The Groxery app, which already has bagged over 5,000 downloads on iOS and 45,000 downloads on Android, allows users to book the items they require. The app then connects the order to the nearest grocery stores and promises to have the items delivered within 70 minutes or less.

Unexplored Top Tourist Spots of Kashmir

Heya, planning Wedding Pre Shoot, Magazine Cover or a freelancer photographer? You could be a just another day wanderer! This list shall unreveal the less traveled places in Kashmir valley to boost your Instagram with awe and fans…. ! Note, here. Picturesque, ethereal, timeless… words fall short when it comes to capturing Kashmir’s virginal beauty….

Pashmina – Made in India

Pashmina wool is one of the finest wool in the world. A Changthangi or Pashmina goat sheds its winter coat every spring and one goat sheds approximately 80-170 g (3-6 ounces) of fibre. During spring season, the goats naturally shed their under fleece, which regrows in the winter. This under fleece is put together by…

Tour to Uri

Post the announcement of Cease Fire Agreement along LOC by both the nations on 25 February, the signs of normalcy are finally visible in the normal populace. A keen observer will definitely take a note of the changing dynamics of the region and increased opportunity for development in the tourism sector in the border areas…

Is Tourism a Tool to win over Terrorism?

The two significant facets of Kashmir as on date are Tourism and Terrorism. Kashmir until the 1980’s not marred by terrorism was a peaceful, serene and a calm tourist destination and attracted thousands of tourists because of its spectacular landscapes, snow clad peaks and its religious shrines. But terrorism and insurgency nurtured by the political…

Unexplored Tourism of Lolab

A virgin valley in northern Kashmir near Kupwara. All shades of green, mysterious caves (folklore takes them all the way to Russia!) and warm hospitable people, Lolab has it all. Adorned with fresh and tranquilized surroundings, the beauty of Lolab Valley is beguile and has all the potential to lure one to come over and…

Music of Kashmir

The Kashmir valley popularly known as ‘Paradise on Earth’ has a very rich cultural heritage and has been a grand arena of arts. There have been poets, dancers, writers, dramatists and musicians, who have attained glory in the literary and art world. Kashmiris have traditionally been great lovers of music. As the Kashmiri language does…

Kashmir Celebrates 1971 Victory of India

India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most artistic materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only! As we all know that 2021 is being observed as…

Turn over a New Leaf

“If you want to achieve something, build the basis for it” I am forced by my consciousness to write this to my fellow Kashmiri brothers and sisters on this extended canvas, because the Kashmir valley is undergoing grievous circumstances. I know, there are many supporters amongst us, who want Kashmir to be on its own…

Kashmir, the Zennat 2032

The streets hummed with a steady flow of traffic and the sidewalks were bustling with happy shoppers and excited tourists, both domestic and foreign. The Taj, Srinagar we checked into is all subdued luxury. Paneled walls, soft Kashmiri rugs and carpets and graceful, courteous staff, mostly young Kashmiris.

Voma, The story of Kashmiri Hindu mother, her Struggle and Courage

Hrishikesh Razdan | Trunicle May 9, 2021 When Sheen is asked to make a documentary on Mother’s Day, she was loaded with stories of Rani Laxmibai (queen of Jhansi) – Kota Rani (last sanatani ruler of Kashmir) – Queen Yashomati (first woman to be crowned as an empress in recorded history as per Neelmat Puran)…

Nightingale of Kashmir

Kashmir is resplendent with tales of folklore and mythology. One of them is regarding a famous poetess, the likes of which Kashmir did not see for another two generations. The name that will come up the most when you search for a list of tourist attractions in the Gurez Valley is that of the peak…

Is Kashmir Spring 2021 Different?

“Behold, my friend, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love.” Spring very aptly described as a ‘time of rebirth, renewal, and awakening‘ is welcomed warmly throughout the globe. In Kashmir too, the coming of spring is a great…

Cook Me a Tale with Kashmir Cuisine

In the winters of 2019, I visited Kashmir – the mesmerizing snowclad land of lakes, mountains, passes, Shikaras and rosy-cheeked people. It was my first visit to the valley as a tourist. I started my journey from Srinagar, drove up to Leh on the SH- 44 Srinagar Bandipora road along the beautiful Jhelum river. Coming…

Papier-Mâché on Verge of Extinction in Kashmir

I am sure atleast once in your lifetime you have been asked this question – “If you are a beach person or a mountain lover?” Some of us may find it difficult to choose one, but for me, I could answer it in a heartbeat. I am a diehard fan of mountains! My love for…

Zero Point at Tithwal

Tithwal or Teetwal village lies in Karnah Tehsil of district Kupwara , Jammu and Kashmir around 82 km from the district Headquarters of Kupwara. A picturesque road from little quaint town of Chowkibal leads to famous NC (Nashta Chun) also popularly called as Sadhna Pass which is the gateway to Karnah. Indian Army and Border…

Save Nature, Save Nahre Zainageer

Background The Nahre Zainageer (Baedth Koul) which is the incredible gift inherited from our fore fathers. Its origin is from the famous Wular Lake which is the famous picnic spot though the major portion of it is under the control of Indian Navy and the entry is restricted. The Nahre Zainageer is also the tributary of the…

How to Save Chinar Trees

“A Tree’s Beauty lies in its Branches, but its Strength lies in its Roots”, said Zimbabwean born Canadian Philosopher Matshona Dilwahyo. Strengthening of Roots is thus the best way to make sure that the Tree becomes beautiful. If one were to draw an analogy of a ‘Chinar’ Tree with the society that today represents…

Winter Joy Cues From Frozen Kashmir

Chilly Winters in Kashmir Chillai Kalan is the 40 day harshest winter period in Kashmir which sends shivers down one’s spine. It is a Persian term. Chilla means 40, Kalan means bigger. Chillai-Kalan begins from December 21 and ends on January 31 next year. There are 3 Chillas namely Chillai Kalan, the Chillai Khurd, and…

Kashmiri Kaleen

Who knows if Walt Disney imported Kaleen (Carpet) for his popular animated series, Aladdin from Kashmir. Remember, the magic carpet that could fly! Well, Aladdin’s magic carpet could fly or not, Persian carpet craft definitely did flew to India. The magically beautiful Kashmiri carpets have undisputed place in international elite market since forever. The handicrafts…

I am Kashmir

A poem by Prince who is an established prolific poet and writer. His creations on Kashmir have found place in many publications and popular blogs on internet viz Soldier Stories of Kashmir. The Kashmir Rootstock Team is grateful to Prince for sharing his masterpiece ‘I am Kashmir’ at onset of new year, 2021. Living under…

Offbeat Explorers to Mount Hamrukh

About 592 mountain peaks in Kashmir makes it a climber’s paradise. The untouched snow peaks and the breathtaking view offered by them attract mountaineers from all over the world in a similar way as ants are attracted to sugar. One such peak which has always stood out, testing the most experienced climbers is Mt Harmukh.

Photographers’ Lens Focus Kashmir

It is said that once God imagined a place filled with natural beauty, a place where people would be so humble and warm that one feels at home and Kashmir happened. Kun Faya Kun. From time unmemorable, Kashmir has been a place of attraction for its pure, virgin beauty. For ancient Rishis and holy men,…

Burhan Wani Episode Played The Next

“Come away, O human child!To the waters and the wildWith a faerie, hand in hand,For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.” William Butler Yeats Aafreen, sits quietly in her garden. It’s really hard to miss her with her cute little smile and the curiosity in her eyes. She is awestruck at…

Kashmir’s Chinar

The majestic Chinars (Chinar trees) were brought to Kashmir by the Mughals under emperor Akbar who planted Chinars in the valley, after annexing the territory in 1586. Till date, hundreds of trees continue to stand tall at the site of the Hazratbal shrine in Naseem Bagh. Islamic preachers who travelled to Kashmir four centuries ago…

Kashmir Weddings

Cradled amidst the Mighty Himalayas, Kashmir is not just a picturesque destination but also a fusion of rich cultural heritage. Being situated at the crossroads of civilizations, its customs and values are a distinct amalgamation of the best of traditions. Born and bought up in Kashmir, I grew up being cocooned in the valley and…

Who Wins? Beauty, Heart or Mind !

ऐ गुलबदन तेरा पाकपन , कितना हसीन है तेरा चमन।तू हूर है , पर नूर है ,तेरी सादगी पे गुरूर है। ~Aaishah If you are generous and compassionate, yes, You are beautiful! If you are unbiased in all interests, yes, You are beautiful! If you have a glowing confidence and self belief, yes, You are…

Gun To Fun at Lolab Valley

Lolab in Early 90’s The sight of heavily-armed foreign terrorists almost two decades ago was the common phenomenon in Lolab which provided conducive environment for the terrorists. The Valley used to thunder with guns and was considered to be a safe haven for the terrorist infiltrating though the Line of Control; such was the dominance…

Women Empowerment in Kashmir

Targeting the grass root level for effective change As I write today on the issue of women empowerment, it seems to be a topic that the society hasn’t fully understood yet. It should be made clear at the outset that women empowerment doesn’t mean impartially giving more importance to women rather simply to instill the…

The Unwanted Shawl

Ejaj works in his father’s Kashmiri Handicraft and Shawl shop based in Lal Chowk, Srinagar. He studies part time and helps his father on weekends or whenever he is traveling for work. His college in downtown, offers him a decent education in Agricultural studies and Ejaj wants to help the farmers in his village. One…

Beauty and Blood

Meenakshi Rathore is an avid traveler who has visited Kashmir for the fourth time. She has seen Kashmir from the eyes of a school going girl in 1987 to the times of ‘Stone pelting’ in 2010 and then immediately post Abrogation of Articles 370 & 35A and also on its anniversary. Being a healer and…

Hazrat Sheikh Zain-ud-din Wali’s Shrine Aishmuqam, Anantnag

Hindus’ Lord Shiva Shrine in Amarnath and Muslims’ Zain-ud-din Wali’s Shrine in Aishmuqam stand tall at a common place in Himalayas of Kashmir, Anantnag. What will you call it mere coincidence or more? Kashmir is a land of many religions cohesively bidden together in fibers of Kashmiriyat since centuries. The history holds witness to the…

Heena’s Little Story of Changing Kupwara

I choose to publish this story for it reminds me of little flutter of wings of baby bird before she flies high to kiss the sky. Heena shared this piece with me with pure innocence in white ink. How could I possibly not celebrate her leap of faith in goodness ahead ! She symbolizes the…

Shikara in Dal Lake

The shikar is a type of wooden boat found on Dal Lake and other water bodies of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, India. … Shikars are of varied sizes and are used for multiple purposes, including transportation of people. A usual shikar seats half-a-dozen people, with the driver paddling at the rear. Wikipedia The deodar…

Kashmir’s Divinity in its Lost Sufism

Sufism in Kashmir valley is something that is integrated with the soul of its people and has been the sole guiding factor that has led the people of Kashmir through all of their turbulent history and is something upon which the social foundations of a Kashmiri society resides. Kashmiri Sufism not only reflects the behavior…

I am Kashmir … a Melange of Emotions

When the Shikaras stir my pristine waters and create ripples of life, I smell serenity, stability, inspiration with a whiff of vulnerability and menace. When my loaded orchards add different hues of love, passion, celebration and flourish mylands embracing the wrath, perils and the outrage with pride and grace.The swarm of travelers shroud the mysterious…

Tangdhar Pass Named After 1960s Bollywood Actress

At a height of 10200 feet near Tangdhar, 134 Kilometers from Srinagar exists the Nastha Chun Pass. Nastha Chun Pass literally means a “Cut Nose Pass”, as people don’t feel their nose here due to strong and colds winds blowing throughout the year. Kashmiri name of this Pass is “Nathi Chapa Gali” which means “Numb…

Zaid was not Born a Terrorist

What a beautiful morning it is. I just love this time when Asim (my husband) and my kids haven’t woken up. This is the time I devote to my pranayam, meditation, walk and my gratitude journal. I tried to meditate but my restless mind gave up. Made a big cuppa tea with some cookies and…

Girl Education Get Wings in Kashmir

“When you invest in a girl’s education; She feeds herself, her children, her community and her nation.” Though ‘Gender Equality’ is a slogan we hear in all spheres of life in the 21st century India, we still live in a society where a marginal section of patriarchy considers women as weak and subjects them to…

Muharram in Kashmir

Muharram is the one of the four sacred months for the Muslims across the globe. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad completed his journey from Mecca to Medina during this month. Historical Significance of Muharram Muharram is the one of the four sacred months for the Muslims across the globe, considered to be the second…

‘Kashmiri Wazwan’ Top Dish in Michelin Star Restaurant

“Kashmiri Wazwan is not just a regional meal but a perfect example of the Kashmiri culture and tradition which forms the face of Kashmiri hospitality.” Food may not have a universal language, but it surely is a universal topic and it isn’t wrong to say that food unites us all across the table and around…

Apple Farming in Kashmir Valley: Post Abrogation Of Article 370, 35A

Kashmiri Apples & Their Age Old Repute Jammu and Kashmir is known as temperate fruit bowl of India and is bestowed by nature with production of variety of apple. In India majority of cultivated varieties of apple were introduced by British officers way back in 1865. Apple varieties in Kashmir are popularly juicy and delicious…

Heteogeneous Society – A Must For Kashmiriyat To Survive

Heterogeneous is something that consists of many kind of things. That something be different types of entities or people. So, by the phrase “heterogeneous society” we mean such a society which consists of different kinds of people from different regions of the world, which is basically a society that is ethnically heterogeneous. Such societies include…

Kashmir Cultural Colours

Prologue The culture of Kashmir is a blend of multiple customs that arrived from Northern India, Northern Pakistan and the Aksai Chin region. The state enjoys the presence of blended religious practices influenced by eachother and that’s why Kashmir is famous for its cultural heritage. It amalgamates Hinduism , Sikhism, Islam and Buddhism like no…

‘Me n U’ Cafe becomes HotSpot of Srinagar

“𝒜 𝓁𝑜𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒷𝓇𝑒𝓌𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒞𝑜𝒻𝒻𝑒𝑒 𝒞𝓊𝓅𝓈 …𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒, 𝒞𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓉𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐿𝒾𝒻𝑒.” ME n U Café inaugurated its first outlet in Munawarabad area of Srinagar City in August, 2018. Ever since the cafe has become one Hot Spot of youngish valley to brew their ideas and laughter together over a cup of coffee and finger-licking quick eats. Srinagar…

Cricket All Rounder Junior “Mohd Asraf Wani, Shopian”

Life in Jammu & Kashmir has been a lot different and difficult for the people, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 & 35A in August 2019 and the extended lockdown in the country due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and colleges have been continuously closed since August, businessmen are apprehensive about…

Riyaaz has an Eye Opener Experience in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

Correspondent | Mohammed Iqbal, Kangan The Correspondent records the story narrated by Riyaz Ahmed Bhatt , resident of Kangan, Jammu & Kashmir India and reveals the truth across Ceasefire line( LOC) in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. History of Kashmir Valley Pakistan occupied Kashmir historically belongs to the erstwhile princely state of Jammu & Kashmir. Maharaja of…

Flora and Fauna of Machhal Valley

Shamshabari Ranges (abode of Fir Trees) in the North of Kashmir valley forms four distinct valleys namely Tangdhar, Keran, Machhal and Gurez. Machhal valley with salubrious climate, serene views and stunning landscapes is the crown jewel of the Shamshabari Ranges. The valley used to be an exclusive holiday resort for royalty of Jammu & Kashmir…

Art and Craft of Kashmir

The annals of Kashmir craft lies in the fabric of the woven shawls, handiwork of the wood carvings, carpet making, copper works, stone carvings, paper mache and the decorative house boats. It’s truly a paradise for it preserves and reflects the skilled cultural art work since ages imbibing and displaying the cultural and traditional art…

Arjumand Makhdoomi Chotay Tarey Foundation : Kashmir’s Emerging Champion of Child Rights

The War at Line Of Control has affected Children on both sides of Cease Fire more than anyone else. Pakistan Prime Minister goes on international platform to crib on atrocities on Kashmiri , he never completes his statement ….Atrocities on Kashmir brought by his terrorists and their guns. Safiya Lone | Baramulla , Jammu &…

Story of a Top Entrepreneur from Bandipora

Drawing inspiration from the age old and unique bakery culture of Kashmir, the young entrepreneur from Bandipora established her own bakery in May 2017 and within three years has carved a niche for herself, nationally.Her Koshur Krunch cookies are irresistible! Nobody can have just one!

Gurez : Jannat From Historial Perspective

Gar firdaus bar-roo-e zameenast!Hameenast! Hameenast-o-Hameenast!! – Amir Khusrau Prologue The above couplet is said to be written praising the beauty of Kashmir, which translates to “If there is heaven on earth then, it is here, it is here, it is here”. The couplet is gospel truth for entire Kashmir but, it definitely hold its essence…

Kashmir Willow Bat

Imagine a perfectly packed cricket stadium – the bat swinging down in a high arc, the sweet crack of bat meeting the ball before it races away to the boundary to loud cheers of the spectators. The runs that a cricketer accumulates are as much about his skills as they are about the perfect cricket…

Shirley’s Bhumbro Appeal to Kashmiri Youth

Bhumbro is a delightful folk song from the valley of Kashmir. The original Bhumbro was composed by Kashmiri composer Mohan Lal Aima for Dinanath Nadim’s Bombur ta Yemberzal, the first Kashmiri opera to be written and performed in 1953, Vinayak Razdan said on his blog Search Kashmir. The opera traces the romance between Bombur, the bumblebee, and Yemberzal, the Narcissus flower….