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 […]
Feature
A Civilization Built on Questions
Civilizations rise on curiosity and crumble in silence; the courage to question defines our humanity. By Abid Hussain Rather Fyodor Dostoevsky once warned that a time would come when intelligent people would be stopped from thinking and questioning—lest they offend fools. His prophecy feels alarmingly close. For what is foolishness if not the comfort of […]
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 […]
When Grandparents Become Strangers
The society known for its human behavior is not able to spend time with the grandparents—those who were our true storytellers. By Ayaan Saroori “A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” The proverb still rings true, but in an age ruled by smartphones and relentless […]
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 […]
The Village That Raised Us
A quiet Kashmiri village becomes a mirror of memory, where every tree, kite, and biscuit tells a story of a childhood slipping through time. By Peer Mohammad Amir Qureshi The gate groaned open beneath my hand, a rusted hinge releasing a sound that felt like memory itself—familiar, intimate, and heavy with time. I had only […]
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
Bollywood Celebrity Huma Qureshi visits Patnitop to promote tourism in Jammu Region
JAMMU, MAY 29: On the second day of her visit to the Jammu region, acclaimed Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi explored the scenic landscapes of Patnitop and Nathatop, where she experienced a firsthand taste of adventure through activities such as camping and nature walks. At Skyview by Empyrean, Patnitop, she took a ride on the highest […]
Hidden Beyond the Pines
Hidden Beyond the Pines