The mysteries surrounding Shashti, the Hindu goddess, are celebrated for her benevolence and protection of children. The roots of this ancient tradition and its rituals continue to grace households seeking fertility and divine blessings. By Satish Mahaldar Shashti or Shashiti, derived from the Sanskrit term षष्ठी (Ṣaṣṭthī), meaning “sixth,” holds a revered position in Hinduism […]
SOCIETY
The Enduring Charm of Houk Seun
The tale of Houk Seun in Kashmir transcends mere culinary practices; it encapsulates a cultural narrative passed down through generations. By Manzoor Akash Kashmir has enjoyed a longstanding reputation for its winter culinary tradition centered around the consumption of Houk Seun, or dried vegetables. Despite the current convenience of having fresh vegetables readily available, the […]
Book review “Ulmai Kashmir Ki Deeni Wa Ilmi Khidmaat”
Khaki Mohd Farooq’s latest offering, “Ulmai Kashmir Ki Deeni Wa Almi Khidmaat,” transcends the picturesque beauty of the Valley of Kashmir. With meticulous detail, this book unfurls the lives of key figures—Hazrat Ab Rehman Bulbul, Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, and more—who paved the way for a Muslim-majority Kashmir. An indispensable read for those seeking to […]
Autumn and Literature
The bewitching beauty and sensuous charms of autumn season has inspired poetsacross time, countries and culture By Manzoor Akash Autumn holds a special place in literature with its fascinating artwork of golden-hued trees, glistening natural beauty, crispy leaves and unique grandeur which has fired up the imagination of poets and writers through generations. As the […]
Journey Beyond Comfort Zones
Every segment of our life journey carries weight—every moment, every emotion, whether jubilant or distressing, contributes to the narrative of our personal saga. By Mudasir Koul Life is frequently likened to an expansive narrative, a tome teeming with innumerable chapters eagerly anticipating perusal. However, unlike a conventional book, the luxury of swiftly navigating to the […]
Kashmir’s Deepamala Resonates with Diwali Tradition
The Kashmiri Pandit community celebrates Deepamala, a festival echoing the traditions of Diwali. The rituals, prayers, and the luminous atmosphere that accompany this special night in the month of Kartik, as devotees honor goddess Lakshmi By Satish Mahaldar On the 14th of November 2023, the auspicious month of Kartika Maasa commenced, marking a period highly […]
NEP 2020 Marks 3-Years of Educational Transformation
NEP 2020 is not just a policy; it’s a revolution in the making. It empowers students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and is fundamentally reshaping the way India learns. By Syed Mustafa Ahmad This momentous occasion of July 29, 2023, marks a significant three-year milestone in the journey of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, […]
Kashmir’s Maenzraat Ritual
Kashmir’s Maenzraat is a cultural experience that showcases the strength of love in marriage and the beauty of tradition, combining to create a memorable pre-wedding celebration. By Manzoor Akash In the rich tapestry of Kashmir’s cultural heritage, the mehandi function, traditionally known as Maenzraat (mehandiraat), is an integral part of the wedding rituals. This occasion […]
Kashmir’s Time-Traveling Tanga
The Tanga has been a source of livelihood for generations of Kashmiri families. Beyond transportation, the Tanga is a cultural symbol in Kashmir, used in various aspects of life, including weddings and festivals. However, it faces challenges in the modern era, and there is a need for efforts to preserve this cultural icon By Khursheed […]
Teachers as Catalysts for Social Change and Development
In a world where knowledge is power, teachers are the key. There is a cultural reverence and global recognition bestowed upon these exceptional individuals who dedicate their lives to education By Mir Shahid Education serves as the bedrock of any thriving society. Human beings, being inherently cognitive creatures, possess the remarkable capacity to think, analyze, […]