I was so mesmerized watching the beauty which resides in these valleys that I totally forgot that I was riding a bike and also needed to focus on the road. All I was thinking and imagining that what it would be like to live in a place as beautiful as this and made a mental note that I have to visit this place once in a while. With these thoughts we reached Srinagar. The very evening we visited Dal Lake. Although the sun had set and it was dark, the view was enchantingly beautiful. That just justified the lake’s given title of being the “Jewel in the Crown of Srinagar”.
Tag: kashmir valley
LOLAB : THE LAND OF LOVE AND BEAUTY
Lolab Valley is located approximately 120 Km from Srinagar near Kupwara town in Northern part of Kashmir. Lolab is blessed with picturesque landscape with mesmerising valley floor surrounded by majestic snow-clad mountains. It is bounded by Kashmir valley to the south, Kishanganga valley to the north and is separated by Nagmarg meadows from Bandipura. Paddy is widely cultivated in the valley floor along with apple, cherry, peach, apricot and walnut.
The ancient caves of Kalaroos, lush green meadows of Nagmarg overlooking Wular Lake, Chandigam, Varnow and Dhoban are few of the preferred tourist destinations in the valley. People of Lolab have unique culture and traditions due to its geographical isolation. They are friendly and warm-hearted people with intrinsic hospitality. In spite having so much to offer, tourism in Lolab is next to nil due to decades of negligence and mismanagement. Lolab used to be hot bed of terrorism during the 90’s, however, with combined effort of Army, Police and the Govt, the situation in Lolab has increased tremendously and it is moving towards normalcy. The locals including the surrendered terrorists have joined the mainstream and are slowly but steadily working for the prosperity of Lolab.
WINTER CUISINE IN KASHMIR
“If there’s heaven on earth, it’s here in Kashmir”. As it is justifiably mentioned that Kashmir is heaven on earth and therefore the enriched beauty about this heaven enhances in winter season. In winters Kashmir turns into white-carpeted heaven. Kashmir is in a different zone from December to March, the enriched beauty of Kashmir increases with decrease of temp. The snow-covered mountains with shredded chinars leaf, lovely pine trees, and frozen lakes boost Kashmir’s beauty and the people get hypnotized. The temperature in Kashmir drops as low as -6 to -8 degrees. In Kashmir the coldest are forty days from Dec 21 to January 31 and are known as ChilaiKalan. At this period, Kashmiri locals have different things which are specially designed to be used in winters and to shield the body from the weather condition. In the houses they have Bukhari’s to keep them heated. Bukhari is also utilized in houseboats, hotels, huts etc. to keep them heated. Folks within their house wear Pheran and keep kangris to stay themselves warm. In winters, folks in Kashmir enjoys the fancy winter sports like skating, skiing etc. There are many changes in the food habits and lifestyle of people throughout winters to apt with the climate changes.
WINTER SPORTS AND GAMES
Govt agencies have been on the job to give impetus to the various winter sports and games by organizing events in Gulmarg and other places of Kashmir. Every year a Mega cultural and sports events are being organized, world famous ski destination Gulmarg will play host to five day ‘National Winter Games’ under ‘Khelo India program’.
Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by rules, to know what it feels like to win and lose, it teaches you about life.
FOLK MUSIC OF GUREZ
Folk music of a place is the representation of culture, traditions, clothing and most importantly the tales of a particular place. This music travels from generation to generation and becomes immortal within the people of that place. Gurez is a beautifully placed valley located in the northern Jammu & Kashmir. This valley is also blessed…
KASHMIR’S GOT TALENT
Kashmir is the Indian state where people possess limitless talents. The people here probably have something special embedded in their genes to be able to possess such multitude of gifts. Be it any field like sports, acting, dancing, singing etc the Kashmiris have excelled and left the world mesmerized by their performance. Virtues of hard work, dedication, willingness to proof and exploring their own limits provides them the X factor required to create indestructible marks in the history of any particular field. Just like any passionate youngster, they take great pride in representing their state and country, thereby giving every ounce of their energy so that they can bring glory to the nation. Belonging to a state that is torn apart by the terrorists and provides very less opportunities of growth in any sector, they face a lot of struggles for their basic rights. Growing in such a hard environment, struggling to meet basic necessities, they become born fighters. This spirit combined with unreal talent makes a deadly combination, which is reflected in their performance. All we need to do is to present them with necessary opportunities. In subsequent paragraphs I would cover few of the illustrious Kashmiris who had contributed and created a niche for themselves in their respective fields.
Make Hay While It’s Snowing
Kashmir is geographically blessed with snow-covered slopes ideal for sports like snowboarding. Without a doubt, it is one of the most popular winter games in Kashmir. People from all over India including the locals enjoy snowboarding here as a recreational activity as well as a sporting activity
REHMAN TASS : A TALE UNTOLD
I was born in a small village called „Muhri‟, in the year 1978 near the Line of Control in Kupwara District. The village takes its name from the word „Moori‟ which is a poisonous herb, found in Shamshabari Ranges. Since then the name of this place is known „Moori‟ & over a period time it…
A VISIONARY IN UNIFORM
India’s foremost military officer and the first Chief of Defence staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, YSM, SM bid his countryman a final goodbye on 08 Dec 21. In the unfortunate helicopter crash which led to loss of life of the General along with 13 passengers has brought the entire nation together in mourning and paying heartfelt tributes to the ‘People’s General’. Nation, often divided due to differences in political leanings, religion, caste, domicile, views etc. came together in an unprecedented manner only reserved for the public figure revered and respected across all platformsIndia’s foremost military officer and the first Chief of Defence staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, YSM, SM bid his countryman a final goodbye on 08 Dec 21. In the unfortunate helicopter crash which led to loss of life of the General along with 13 passengers has brought the entire nation together in mourning and paying heartfelt tributes to the ‘People’s General’. Nation, often divided due to differences in political leanings, religion, caste, domicile, views etc. came together in an unprecedented manner only reserved for the public figure revered and respected across all platforms
A TRIP TO WADI-E-LOLAB
What a magical feeling it is, when you have a dream, you march in its pursuit and you see it becoming a reality. I doubt, if there is any man who would not have ever dreamt to see heaven and in next thought he would not have imagined of Kashmir. Every Indian would at sometime…
Preservation of Identity
As Indian govt is secular in nature, its duty is to create a safe environment where people can choose what they want and how they want to live. Enabling them to make right decision for themselves and not forcing their believes on others. Encouraging the quality to question everything before accepting can do wonders. This can only come from education. Not only children should be provided with world class education but also older people must also be educated.
THE GENESIS OF TREKKING CULTURE IN KASHMIR
Kashmir’s astounding beauty is capable of rendering anyone awestruck, justifying its identity of “Paradise on Earth“. It is blessed by nature in the form of gigantic snow-clad mountains, beautiful green meadows in summers, mesmerising alpine lakes and a twinkling night sky. Along with the enchanting beauty of nature, Kashmir also offers breath-taking experiences at places…
Kashmiri “Kahwah”
“Kashmir is the delicate reminder of the fact that poetry does not always need pages and words.” If you are in Kashmir and its cold climate is making you shiver even after cladding yourself in multiple layers of clothing and looking for beverages, go grab a cup of Kashmiri kahwah. I assure you that you…
THE PROMISED LAND
Love for beauty is an inborn trait within every human being. Prettiness has served as a source of joy and thrill for the people of all times and clans all around the world since times immoral. This is so because the human being by birth is essentially beautiful and graceful and is moved by an…
KASHMIR: ABODE OF SPORTS
Kashmir is the Indian state where people possess a myriad talent. Like in any other field Kashmiri people also excel in sports. Sports mostly used to be a recreational & leisure activity for the Kashmiris, however with the changing times sports has become a lucrative career opportunity. The youth has also started to pursue sports…
WINDS OF CHANGE: Srinagar on UNESCO creative city list
Srinagar is now part of elite 295 UNESCO Creative Cities. It recognizes innovation, sustainability and creativity as primary drivers for inclusive urbanization. The Kashmir Valley has been embroiled in controversies and turmoil mostly sponsored by neighbouring countries since the last 30 years. The disturbance in the valley led to decline in tourism, especially amongst the…
SUFI & SYNCRETIC HERITAGE OF KASHMIR
Kashmir, also famously known as ‘The crown of India’ or ‘Paradise on Earth’ is a mesmerising valley surrounded by Pir Panjal & Himalayan ranges. It is marked with a history that has seen various faiths & religions grow & prosper within it’s womb. The uniqueness about the place is it’s Sufi culture & Kashmiriyat, which…
GLIMPSE OF THE HERITAGE
The richness of Kashmir’s culture is reflected through its diverse handicrafts like papier mache, willow wicker, wool and pashmina traditional yinder, and, embroidery work like sozni, tilla and chain stitch.
GHULAM SEENO: THE PICKLE OF KASHMIR
“Pickles if consumed in the right amount, are good for digestion. Some are beneficial in curing stress and depression, which is common these days among people.” Ghulam Qadir Seeno, a man in his late seventies, is a living illustration of idealism, confidence and progress — setting benchmarks for others to follow. He had lost three…
REVIVAL OF KASHMIR AS BOLLYWOOD’S FILMING SPOT
Kashmir will now be on the international tourism map again and film shoots will not only generate employment for the people of the Valley but also invite thousands of tourists from worldwide to bask in the glory of this blessed land. Bollywood’s love story with the picturesque Kashmir dates back to the 1960s and 70s….
GUND GUSHI – THE HIDDEN GEM
Gund Gushi is a peaceful village away from the bustling life of the city with an indescribable tranquillity and serene atmosphere. Deep within the off shoots of the beautiful valley of Kashmir sits the village of Gund Gushi. The breath taking beauty of the valley encapsulates the very unconquered spirit of the men, women &…
इस्लिये नाम तेरा कश्मीर रख दिया
इस्लिये नाम तेरा कश्मीर रख दिया है।
KASHMIR RAILWAY
CORNERSTONE OF INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPEMENT The Kashmir Railway Project (KRP) is being developed to provide an alternative and reliable all-weather transportation system to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian railways is one of the biggest assets of the country and has been serving its citizens for decades. It is the 4th largest railway…
Pristine Beauty of Gurez
Routine existence rarely provides space for reflection. Kashmir as we all know is undeniably a heaven on earth. With countless snow clad mountains, immaculate atmosphere, picturesque valleys and impeccable landslides, this exotic part of India is no less than a masterpiece by immortals. Tourist across the country flocked the paradise every year. However much of…
Sopore: Transformation of a Dream into Despair
Once the town of a great significance and hope, Sopore suddenly fell into the lap of misfortune and despair with odour of the blood of the innocents caused by the wrath of militancy and anti-national sentiments. Once blooming faces has turned into hazy and gloomy hearts under the clout of greed and opportunism. The lost…
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…
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…
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…
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….
Kashmir RootStock 