Deeply rooted in Central Asian baking traditions, the sesame-crusted Chochvor remains an enduring symbol of Kashmiriyat. While modernity reshapes the Valley, this humble tandoori loaf still brings communities together over morning tea. By Manzoor Akash In the bustling streets and meandering alleys of Kashmir, amidst the relentless clamour of modernity, there exists an enduring relic […]
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Myani Vachik Kotar: A Masterclass in Kashmiri Afsana
Bashir Aarif delivers a masterclass in the Kashmiri afsana tradition through eleven tightly crafted stories. The collection captures the quiet grief of displacement, communal memory, and the fractures of modern society. By Manzoor Akash Some short stories are meant to be read and forgotten; others must be slowly chewed and digested. Bashir Aarif’s Kashmiri short […]
51 J&K Police personnel named for gallantry, meritorious service medals
Srinagar, Aug 14: As many as 51 personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been selected for gallantry and meritorious service medals ahead of Independence Day, with 38 cops being honoured with the Medal for Gallantry (GM) and 13 with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM). The official list of police medal awardees […]
The Ink of a Lifetime
After decades of shaping minds and reflecting society, educator and columnist Naaz Sahib steps into a well-earned retirement. His story is a poignant reminder that true teaching goes far beyond the classroom walls. By Manzoor Akash Some teachers stay in our hearts long after they retire, and Nazir Ahmad Shah, affectionately known to everyone as […]
Inside Sanjay Pandita’s Saffron Winds
Sanjay Pandita’s debut anthology transforms the vivid landscapes of Kashmir into an emotional bridge between a remembered past and the lived present. Through 125 deeply personal poems, the collection captures a displaced soul finding timeless sanctuary in the geography of home. By Manzoor Akash Poetry succeeds when it transforms personal experience into universal emotion, a […]
Rafiabad’s Quiet Hero
Born into a world of silence, Mohammad Sultan Mir has refused to let his speech and hearing impairments dictate his destiny. Through freezing winters and scorching summers, his seasonal hustle in Rafiabad stands as a powerful testament to the dignity of honest labor. By Manzoor Akash Colin Powell once observed that a dream does not […]
Nun Chai: The Saline Soul of the Valley
It is pink, salty, and steeped in history. Nun Chai is more than just “pink tea”; it is a complex alchemy of green leaves, sea salt, and traditional craftsmanship. By Manzoor Akash The ritual of brewing tea in Kashmir transcends the seasons, serving as a constant cultural anchor that defines the rhythm of daily life […]
The Little Bridegroom
From the vibrant melodies of Wanwun to the modern clinical theater, explore how Kashmir’s sacred rite of Khatanhal has evolved. This is the story of the “little bridegroom” and a tradition that remains the heartbeat of the Valley’s cultural identity. By Manzoor Akash In the heart of Kashmir, the religious practice of circumcision, known locally […]
Srinagar’s Harissa Wans
Imagine the scent of slow-cooked mutton, the sizzle of hot mustard oil, and the warmth of a freshly baked Girda. Harissa isn’t just a dish; it’s a morning ritual that brings the community together in the pre-dawn frost. By Manzoor Akash When the frost of Chillaikalan—the harshest forty-day period of the Kashmiri winter—tightens its grip […]
Tashna’er: The Copper Heart of Kashmiri Hospitality
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 […]