As plastic sheets and wet tissues dominate weddings, Kashmir risks losing more than just aesthetics; it risks losing identity. By Manzoor Akash In Kashmir, weddings are more than ceremonies; they’re the Valley’s most elaborate social performances, woven with ritual, memory, and a culinary culture that has survived centuries. Traditionally, the season winds down by late […]
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The Artist Who Made Kashmir Dance
From a schoolboy performance in Dangiwacha to becoming one of Kashmir’s most celebrated folk artists, Hamal-e-Bulbul’s journey is a song of resilience, talent, and cultural pride. By Manzoor Akash Renowned for its sweeping vistas and breathtaking natural beauty, Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district has, for generations, captured hearts. But beyond its fertile fields and […]
The House Next Door
In a time when neighbors mourned, celebrated, and lived together, compassion wasn’t an act—it was a way of life. By Manzoor Akash Kashmir — a land so often romanticized for its majestic mountains, serene lakes, and poetry-inspiring sites — has also been home to a less-discussed, equally remarkable beauty: the moral compass and communal wisdom […]
Reaping What We Forgot
Halshri was more than an agricultural task—it was a movement of resilience and togetherness. Now, it’s a memory. But perhaps not forever. By Manzoor Akash A vast and invaluable part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage—interwoven with the threads of ancient customs, vibrant rituals, and collective memory—is quietly fading before our eyes. This living legacy, once the […]
Jajeer: Kashmir’s Smoky Legacy with Hidden Perils
Jajeer: Kashmir’s Smoky Legacy with Hidden Perils
IZBAND: A Scent of Tradition
Wild Rue, warm memories, and waning traditions—exploring a Kashmiri ritual that still whispers through the smoke. By Manzoor Akash A vast and precious part of our cultural heritage—woven with the threads of ancient practices, vibrant traditions, and communal memories—is gradually slipping through our fingers. With each passing day, we seem to care less, turning a […]
Kashmir’s Healing Hands of the Past
Long before healthcare became a priority in Kashmir, self-taught healers used ancient remedies to cure fractures, infections, and even childbirth complications. Their legacy still lingers in the valley’s collective memory. By Manzoor Akash There was a time when the Kashmir Valley had a severe shortage of doctors, and hospitals were scarcely known, let alone frequently […]
Frozen Lives in Forty Days of Frost
The forty-day frost of Chillaikalan is more than just a weather phenomenon\u2014it’s a test of survival for many in Kashmir’s remote areas. From freezing temperatures to isolated communities, explore the realities of this biting-cold season. By Manzoor Akash The 21st of December each year marks the onset of Chillaikalan, a forty-day-long period of biting cold […]
Echoes of the Forgotten Katij
The soft chirp of the Katij once filled the air of rural Kashmir, signaling the arrival of spring. But as environmental changes take their toll, this beloved bird has become a fading memory. By Manzoor Akash There was a time when the Valley echoed with the vibrant songs of countless birds, their flocks gracing the […]
Miracles and Mysticism in Rafiabad
The shrine of Hazrat Syed Malik Bhukhari (RA) in Nadihal is more than just a place of worship; it is a living symbol of the deep spiritual traditions of Kashmir. With its rich history, miracles, and vibrant community gatherings, it remains a beacon of hope and divine intervention for believers. By Manzoor Akash Located within […]