CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS
Kashmir is a diverse blend of various cultures. People from different religion and social practices have created a composite culture which is called Kashmiriyat. Kashmiri architecture is one of the characteristic features of Kashmir with the lofty pyramidal roofs which are a safeguard against snow and rain. In Islamic architecture, the tombs and the mosques are mostly square structures with walls made of brick. The roof is held on a series of brackets and decked with carved bell shaped supports at four ends. The focal apex is the tall graceful steeple rising above the structure. The Mughal emperors were great lovers of the Valley and gave a boost to the art of stone building in Kashmir.
A classic example is the Hari Parbat Fort built by Akbar. The Hazrat bal Shrine is another classic example of a blend of Mughal and Kashmiri architecture. The art of landscaped gardens was reintroduced by the Mughals. Nishat, Shalimar, Achabal and Verinag are examples of this architecture. Traditional Kashmiri music is either classical or folk. Kashmiri classical music is called Sufiana or the music of the Sufi Saints. Folk forms include Chhakri, Rouf and
Wanawon. King Yusuf Shah Chak (16th century) is said to be the father of Kashmiri classical music and he patroned the Kashmiri music.. The customs and ceremonies connected with birth, marriage and death in Kashmir are of interest. There is prominent use of Mehndi in marriages which is known as Mehnzrat. The fixing of the marriage day is known as Laganchir. Phirsal is the visit paid by the bridegroom to the bride’s house after marriage. Gulimiut is the system of giving money and jewels. The marriage ceremony is known as Khandar or Niather, which is a contract between the boy and the girl and Mehr is the contractual sum given by the boy to the girl on the occasion. The birth of a boy is considered an important occasion and the naming ceremony on the seventh day is called Aaqiqa. The circumcision ceremony is a big occasion called Khatna. Wehrawari is the death anniversary. Cuisine Wazwan consists of dishes primarily made from sheep’s meat and a solitary chicken dish. Kashmiri Muslims invented Wazwan in the 15 or 16 century, borrowing a few dishes from Central Asia, Iran and the plains of India. However, it does
not include any variety of fish or trout which is found in abundance in the Valley. It includes half a dozen chutneys, lots of curds and about four vegetarian dishes. Some of the dishes are Tabaq Maz, Kebab, Rista, Goshtaba, Rogan Josh, Paneer, Haksag and Nadru. Saffron is commonly used as a spice. With such customs and traditions , people in entire UT are warm hearted and hospitable. They make oneself feel comfortable and are really helpful.
