From 14th-century roots to a modern crisis of fakes, Kashmir’s copper industry is at a breaking point. As “smart” development reshapes the valley, can we save the craftsman’s hammer before the shine fades forever? By Sahil Manzoor Bhatti In the labyrinthine alleys of Zainakadal and the bustling workshops of Shehar-e-Khaas, the rhythmic thwack-thwack of the […]
SOCIETY
A Masterpiece Reimagined
Manohar Shyam Joshi’s ‘Kyap’ Finds a New Voice in Kashmiri By Rayees Ahmad Kumar Manohar Shyam Joshi was a titan of Hindi letters whose influence stretched from the rugged hills of Almora to the living rooms of millions across India. Born into the family of a distinguished educationist and musicologist, Joshi carried forward a legacy […]
The Land of Scholars and Stalled Dreams
Known for producing some of Asia’s most brilliant minds and housing rare wooden architectural treasures, Lolab Valley is a cultural powerhouse currently stifled by geography. By Qysar Ul Islam Shah The verdant stretches of the Lolab Valley in North Kashmir represent one of the most striking paradoxes of the Himalayan region. Characterized by an expansive, […]
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 […]
The Architecture of the Human Heart
Sympathy opens the door, empathy builds the bridge, and compassion walks across it. Dive into an exploration of the three virtues that weave the fabric of our shared human experience and learn how the simplest acts of mercy can reshape a divided world. By Mursaleen Bashir In the quiet chambers of the human experience, certain […]
The Unique Traditions of Shivratri in Kashmir
In the silence of the dark moon, the subject and object dissolve into one. This is the essence of Kashmiri Shivratri, a profound celebration of universal consciousness. We delve into the Tantric roots of Bhairavotsava and the sacred symbolism of the Vatuk Puja that continues to guide seekers toward the light of Shiva. By Satish […]
J&K Teachers Get 2-Year Ultimatum to Clear TET or Face Retirement
The Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, UT of J&K has advised the School Education Department that the in-service teachers with more than five years of service left must have to clear the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) within two years failing which they may face to quit their service or shall be liable for […]
Breeding Happy Minds
Stop the shouting and start the bonding. Why the first five minutes of the day are the most critical for your child’s mental health. By Mool Raj It was a few days ago in Jammu, amidst the bustling energy of colleagues and the crisp winter air, that a casual scroll through Facebook stopped me in […]
Kashmir’s Fading Anchors
Kashmir was once a society raised by a tribe, where wisdom flowed like a river from the old to the young. Today, that river is running dry. We explore the ‘strange loneliness’ of the modern Kashmiri home and the high price our children pay for the absence of their greatest guardians. By Khursheed Dar There […]
The Legend of Raheem Kak
Journey back to a time when Sundays were for ghost stories, business was done with a handful of rice, and life moved at the gentle pace of Raheem Kak’s walking stick. A heartwarming ode to the simplicity we’ve lost. By Mudasir koul In the quiet shadows of the hills, where the morning mist often lingered […]