UNIQUE KASHMIRI CUISINES & COSTUMES
The culture of Kashmir is a blend of multiple customs and traditions. Kashmir enjoys the presence of various ethnicities and that’s why Kashmir is famous for its cultural heritage. It amalgamates Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist cultures that make Kashmir more beautiful by merging their cultures into Kashmiriyat.
Kashmir has some mouth-watering cuisine in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The popular dishes of meat are Kashmiri Kebab, Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Pasanda, Syun Alu and Methi Keema. All the non-vegetarian lovers will have a lot to choose from. Some of the famous vegetarian dishes include Hak, Rajmah, Zarda, Tursh, Shree Pulao, Nadeir Yakhaen, and Ladyar Tsaman. These dishes are prepared with fresh vegetables with Paneer to give an interesting taste to the cuisine.
If you are dessert lover then you must try sevaiyaan, phirni and barfi among others which would make you fall in love with these sweets. Guests in Kashmir are welcomed with hot sheer tea and Kahwah. Kashmiri Pulao is also a famous dish worldwide which is prepared in almost every home at regular intervals. A large number of Kashmiri people also love hak or karam sag which is mostly made during winter to keep themselves protected from the chilled weather.
The costume of Kashmiri people is very colorful and attractive. The majority of people wear traditional costume and women attire themselves with gorgeous jewelry like nose ring, bangles, earrings, necklaces and loose salwar kameez which make them comfortable during the hot season. Whereas, men dress themselves in kurta pajama, shalwars, gurabi and skullcaps. Pheran is kind of overcoat wore by Kashmiri people during winters which is decorated with colorful patches and embroidery work.
Most of the costumes of Kashmiri people are loose gowns which varies in quality of fabric according to the weather. Most of the men wear headgear. Most of the women cover their head and shoulders from strangers and elders as a matter of respect. The Kashmiri costume truly indicates their culture and lifestyle. It also shows that people of India are still following their cultural values.
– Lt Col Mayank Dalal
