Culture

No matter how advanced we Kashmiri may be, but at the end of the day –we ‘the Kashmiris’. We may have the latest gadgets, we may be up to date with the technological trends. Should also mention we may continue to depend more on internet…

Situated just 10 kilometres from heart of the city Lal chowk, Hazratbal marks its own identity. This is the most revered, pious and mystic place for the people across the Kashmir. The fine-looking white, elegant marbled religious place…

By Prof. Dr. Token D. Sumai Part 4 The historical value of this very important information provided by Hiuen Tsiang has been challenged. It is also suspected that it is only a pious fabrication of the famous Chinese traveler who came to…

By Prof. Dr. Token D. Sumai Part 3 According to the Buddhist traditions, Kanishka, the Kushan Emperor, held his Buddhist Council in Kashmir.  He was advised by Parsva (Parsvika) to summon all the monks for collection of sacred texts, and…

By Prof. Dr. Tokan D. Sumai Part 2 "And a Bodhisattva lived in this country as the sole lord of the land, namely the glorious Nagarjuna, who resided at Sadarhadvana." It was he, who denominated the sakaera, now in vogue in India. Soon…

By Prof. Dr. Tokan D. Sumai Part 1 Kashmir’s history and culture goes back to a very ancient period and this lovely land has absorbed many cultures and the present day blended cultures of Kashmir may be Buddhist, Shaivist and Islam at the…

The traditional outfit for both males and females in Kashmir is the Phiran and poots. The phiran and poots consist of two gowns, one over the other. The traditional phiran and poots extends to the feet, which was popular up to the late…

Shahtoosh or toosh shawls unrivalled for their lightness, warmth and softness are made from the hair of the wild antelope called Chiru found in the plateaus of Tibet and eastern Ladakh at an altitude of above 1470 ft. in the Himalayas.…

Art from the Valley of Kashmir has it own uniqueness and a special place in the culture of the Valley. Whatever, the art form, it always has a place in the day-to-day life of the Kashmiris. Tapestry being one of such art forms, which has…

The foundation of the town of Avantipura has been ascribed to Avantivarman (855-83 A.D) by Kalhana who noted : “ At the site called Visvaikasara, which procures final beatitude for those who die (there), the king founded the town of…