The Cultural Heritage of Kashmir.
Plethora of magnificent beauty cradled in the lap of the majestic Himalayan range, Kashmir
is known as the Switzerland of Asia. Both geographically and climatically captivating, the
scenic splendor of Kashmir attracts tourists not only from India but from all over the world.
The lingering cold breeze in the lush green valley and a warm cup of traditional Kahwah tea
imprint an everlasting impact in the minds of the visitors. While the most of Indian States
experience scorching heat in June and July, Kashmir offers travelers a gently cold summer
that is perfect to put on your winter clothes while walking down the foreshore road
watching the sun hiding behind the mountains.
The charming nature when combined with the architectural wonders of the Mughal Gardens
add to the beauty of Srinagar city. Houseboats offer an experience of a 5-star hotel with a
picturesque view of Dal Lake. Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination that remains covered
with snow throughout the year, has the world's second-highest operating cable car ride at
the height of 4390 ft. Gulmarg and Pahalgam are also the home to adventurous sports like
white water rafting in summer and skiing in winter which creates an adrenaline rush and
thrill in venture seekers. Sonamarg, the land of gold surrounded by majestic glaciers and
serene lakes casts subtle spells on the visitors. Although Kashmir is famous for its scenic
attractions it is the people of Kashmir that make it real Heaven on Earth. They welcome the
tourists with open arms and great hospitality. Intensifying the grandeur of the great
Himalayas and Pir Panjal mountain range, the city offers a sublime aura of culture and
tradition. The ethnicity of Kashmiri cultures can be witnessed in the traditional clothing
which is a long loose robe called Pheran accompanied by silver jewelry showcasing
immaculate precision and skilled craftsmanship and one cannot resist oneself from putting
on these costumes and capturing the moments.
Kashmir has a decade-old rich tradition of creativity and art. Kashmir's most famous handcrafted
specialties include silk and wool Carpets, Papier-Mache Products, Pashminas, Silverware,
Copperware, Embroidered shawls, and Wood. Once worn by the royals and elites, Kashmiri
pashmina and Shahtoosh shawls are the perfect example of skillful handicraft which is
marked as the finest yet the most expensive. The hand-knotted carpets usually made of silk
and wool-bearing fascinating floral designed with Persian influence make them stand out
from many other traditional wares in the world. Other handicrafts made by the Kashmiris
are the basketry, carved wooden furniture from the walnut timber, and beaten silver and
copper wares. Papier-Mache, among these handicrafts, is an old-age craft.
Papier-mâché products feature a wide range of intricate designs and depictions of Kashmir flora and
fauna in their decorations.
Kashmir has some mouth-watering cuisine in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
The Zaika-e-Kashmir provides mouth-watering and aromatic delicacies for meat lovers.
Rogan Josh, Goshtaba, and Ristas are some of the scrumptious food items made with
lamb meat as a chief ingredient. The Kashmir cuisine also offers the world-famous
Wazwan, a multi-course meal, the preparation of which is considered an art and a point
of pride in Kashmiri culture and identity. The exquisite aromatic flavor of a variety of
dishes in this region, particularly seasoned with saffron, has become an integral part of
Kashmiri food.
Known by varied synonyms like Paradise on Earth or Indian Switzerland, Kashmir never fails
to fascinate its visitors. The sun rose at five in the morning and set at nearly eight at night,
giving its tourists enough time to enjoy the surreal valley, meet the benevolent people, and
taste the mouth-watering cuisine. Being surrounded by the dark clouds of terrorism, the
state still manages to keep itself among the topmost states of the country because of its
diverse culture and unimaginable beauty that makes one want to stay forever and fly home
with an ecstatic memory that is imprinted in their mind. The culture of Kashmir deserves
true admiration and the traditions of the region as well as its various specialties reflect the
beautiful culture of Kashmir.
My culture is my pride, My land paradise- Kashmir
Where there is only nature and natural beauty oh! it’s my land my pride it’s my Kashmir
PARIHA ZAFAR
