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Kashmir Tour

Kashmir: Heaven on Earth

1. Influences and Origins:

    • The culture of Kashmir has been shaped by various historical influences. After the Islamic rule of Kashmir, Persian and Central Asian cultures left their mark.
    • Early Vedic art and culture thrived in Kashmir, and some of the earliest Vedic hymns were composed there.
    • The ancient treatise known as the Bharata Natya Shastra, which significantly influenced Indian dance, music, and literature, originated in Kashmir.
    • Patanjali, the 2nd-century BC writer, compiled his compendium on Yoga in this region.
    • Even the famous Panchatantra—a collection of animal fables—has its roots in Kashmir.
    • Interestingly, while Pali was the primary language for Buddhist literature elsewhere in India, all Buddhist literature produced in Kashmir was in Sanskrit.
    • Kashmiri women held high status in society, being fluent in both Sanskrit and Pali.
    • Notably, texts like the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra, Yoga Sutras, and Para-Trisika-Vivarana also originated here.

2. Cuisine:

    • Rice is the staple food of Kashmiris, a tradition dating back to ancient times.
    • Meat, along with rice, is incredibly popular. Despite being Brahmins, most Kashmiri Hindus are meat eaters.
    • When it comes to beverages, Noon Chai (also known as Sheer Chai) and Kahwah hold a special place. Noon Chai is a pink, salty tea, while Kahwah is a fragrant green tea with spices.
    • The Kashmir Valley is renowned for its bakery tradition. Bakers create various breads with golden brown crusts, often topped with sesame and poppy seeds. Bakarkhani, a crisp and layered bread sprinkled with sesame seeds, is a breakfast favorite.

3. Festivals:

    • Kashmir celebrates its festivals with fervor. Some notable ones include:
      • Eid-ul-Fitr: Marking the end of Ramadan, it’s a time of feasting and joy.
      • Lohri: A winter festival celebrated with bonfires, singing, and dancing.
      • Tulip Festival: Held in spring, showcasing the stunning tulip gardens.
      • Holi: The festival of colors, celebrated with enthusiasm.
      • Shikara Festival: A celebration of Kashmir’s iconic shikaras (traditional wooden boats).
      • Hemis Festival: A vibrant Buddhist festival at the Hemis Monastery.
      • Gurez Festival: Celebrated in the picturesque Gurez Valley.
      • Sindu Darshan: A pilgrimage along the Indus River.

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