Culture of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is one place where the roving eyes of travelers come upon one endearing natural vista after another. A visit to this Eden revitalizes everyone – body, mind and soul. Over the centuries saints, seers and followers of all religions have come to Kashmir and left it richer, more spiritually robust. Jammu and Kashmir is dotted by both natural and man made religious pilgrimage sites. Shrines of all faiths exist in a good number here, symbolizing the spiritual and secular character of the Region.Hundreds of Shrines placed in scenic locations all over its hilly landscape.
Languages
In Jammu and Kashmir, the principal spoken languages are Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Pahari, Balti, Ladakhi, Gojri, Shina and Pashto. However, Urdu written in the Persian script is the official language of the state. Many speakers of these languages use Hindi or English as a second language.
Cuisine
The State of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its traditional and street foods. Each region, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, has its own special and traditional foods influenced by the climatic conditions and customs.
Jammu: Traditional Foods of Jammu are Morel (Gushi) Palov, Madra (lintel cooked in curd), Oria(Patato/Pumpkin in mustard sauce), Maani, Khameera, Katha Meat, Shasha(raw mango chatni), Kasrod and Timru-di-Chatni.
Kashmir: Rich and redolent with the flavour of the spices used –cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, saffron, etc. — Kashmiri food can be the simple meal of a family, or a 36-course wedding banquet called Wazawan. The staple diet of every Kashmiri is rice, the most preferred being the dense, slightly sticky grained Kashmir variety, which is prized in the Valley. Kashmir is famous for its Wazwan, predominantly non-vegetarian. Rice is the staple food. Mutton, chicken and fish are of prime importance cuisines. Instead of sweets, Kehwah (Persian tea), is served after wazwan which is usually served 7 to 10 courses at weddings and parties – a sign of lavish hospitality.
Jammu: Traditional Foods of Jammu are Morel (Gushi) Palov, Madra (lintel cooked in curd), Oria(Patato/Pumpkin in mustard sauce), Maani, Khameera, Katha Meat, Shasha(raw mango chatni), Kasrod and Timru-di-Chatni.
Festivals
Festivals and Events of the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region are as follows: Amarnathji Yatra, Tulip Festival, Baisakhi Festival, Khir Bhawani Festival, Gurez Festival, Saffron Festival, Snow Festival, Urs or annual festivals, The Monastic Festivals, Chhams – The Ritual Dances, Destruction of the Evil, Lohri, Baisakhi, Bahu Mela, Chitre Chaudash, Purmandal Mela, Baba Chamliyal Mela, Jhiri Mela, Jammu Festival, Navratra Festival. Guru Ravi Das’s Birthday.
Arts and Crafts
Kashmiri handicrafts are prized everywhere for their exquisite craftsmanship. Kashmir carpets, in both wool and silk with their Persian design, are a lifetime investment and the shoppers’ selection range from the simple to the most extraordinarily intricate patterns handed down the generations. Then there are papier-mâché items ranging from jewellery boxes to mirror frames, a range of intricately carved walnut wood furniture and accessories, stone jewellery boxes, beautiful woollen shawls, crewel embroidery on furnishing material sold by the meter and more.
A carpet may well be the most expensive purchase from your trip to Kashmir but it is a lifelong investment. Kashmiri carpets are known the world over for two things – they are handmade, never machine made, and they are always knotted, never tufted. It is extremely instructive to watch a carpet being made – your dealer can probably arrange this for you.
There are three fibres from which Kashmiri shawls are made – wool, pashmina and shahtoosh. The prices of the three cannot be compared – Woollen shawls being within reach of the most modest budget, and Shahtoosh being a one-in-a-lifetime purchase. Shahtoos is a banned commodity nowadays. Woollen shawls are popular because of the embroidery worked on them, which is unique to Kashmir. Both embroidery and the type of wool used bring about differences in the price. Wool woven in Kashmir is known as raffel.
Kashmir is the only part of India where the walnut tree grows. Its colour, grains and inherent sheen are unique and unmistakable, and the carving and fret- work that is done on this wood is of a very superior quality.
More info. visit: www.jkhandicrafts.com