#kashmirculture Archives

Tourism in Kashmir — Charting a Path to Resilience and Growth in 2026

January 9, 2026January 9, 2026 Umar Khan Amiri

Tourism in Kashmir 2026 — Resilience, Growth, and a New Era of Travel Tourism has long been the economic backbone of Kashmir, driving employment, social mobility, and global interest in the Himalayan region. As we enter 2026, the tourism sector stands at a crossroads — balancing recovery, persistent challenges, and opportunities for sustainable expansion. The tourism landscape in Jammu & Kashmir has seen dramatic fluctuations over the past few years. After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, there were clear signs of revival. Domestic tourist visits surged from approximately…

Kashmir at the Crossroads: New Year Revelry or Cultural Ruin?

January 1, 2026January 1, 2026 Editor

Kashmir New Year 2026: Celebration or Cultural Erosion? | Tourism vs. Tradition By: Javid Amin | 01 January 2025 A Valley Illuminated, A Question Unanswered As the final seconds of 2025 bled into the dawn of 2026, the Himalayan skies above Kashmir did not just witness the gentle fall of winter snow. They were set ablaze—streaked with the incandescent trails of fireworks launched from the historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar, reflected in the pristine snowy bowls of Gulmarg, and shimmering over the icy silence of Dal Lake. The air, crisp…

Sonu Nigam Azaan Controversy Resurfaces at Srinagar Concert – Low Turnout and Public Backlash

October 27, 2025 Editor

Low Turnout at Sonu Nigam’s Srinagar Concert as Past ‘Azaan’ Remarks Resurface By: Javid Amin | 26 October 2025 A Musical Evening That Turned Into a Reflection of Memory and Sentiment What was envisioned as a landmark cultural evening by the banks of Dal Lake turned into a quiet reflection on the complexities of faith, art, and public memory. Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam, once among India’s most celebrated voices, performed at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) — but the sight that met the organizers was sobering. Rows of empty…

The Social Burden of Marriage on Kashmiri Women: Between Tradition and Trauma

October 16, 2025 Editor

The Social Burden of Marriage on Kashmiri Women | Dowry, Pressure & Cultural Change By: Javid Amin | 15 October 2025 Marriage in Kashmir: A Celebration with a Hidden Weight In the lush valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, marriage has long been seen as a sacred institution—a blending of spiritual belief, cultural tradition, and familial bonding. The solemnity of the nikah, the elegance of the bride’s attire, the aroma of wazwan, and the warmth of shared laughter reflect the community’s deep-rooted values of togetherness. But beneath this ceremonial grandeur, many…

Health Over Hues: Why Wazwan’s True Beauty Lies in Taste, Not Chemicals

October 2, 2025 Editor

Wazwan’s True Colour Lies in Taste, Not Chemicals By: Javid Amin | 02 October 2025 A Feast at Risk: When Colour Overshadows Tradition In the bustling kitchens of Srinagar and the festive halls of Anantnag, the age-old aroma of saffron, Kashmiri chillies, and slow-cooked meat is being compromised by a modern obsession: artificial colour. Wazwan, the multi-course Kashmiri feast revered for centuries, is more than a meal—it is a cultural ceremony, a symbol of unity, and a culinary art form. From the rich crimson of Rogan Josh to the golden…

Why We Add One Rupee to Gift Money: A Kashmiri Cultural Insight into Continuity, Blessing, and Identity

September 16, 2025 Editor

From Wartav to Gulmuteeh: The Symbolism Behind ₹501 and ₹1001 in Kashmiri Gifts By: Javid Amin | 16 September 2025 A Coin, A Culture, A Continuum In the valleys of Kashmir, where every ritual is steeped in poetry and every gesture carries generations of meaning, the tradition of adding one rupee to gift money is more than a custom—it’s a cultural philosophy. Whether tucked inside a shagun lifafa at a wedding, handed over during Eid, or offered at a nikkah ceremony, the extra rupee transforms a financial gift into a…

Rajbagh Riverfront: Reels, Roots, and the Risk of a Distracted Generation

August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 Editor

Rajbagh Riverfront Culture Drift – Social Media, Teen Distraction, and the Erosion of Values By: Javid Amin | 22 Aug 2025 Rajbagh Riverfront – From Serenity to Spectacle On a clear afternoon in Srinagar, the Rajbagh riverfront paints a picture both familiar and startling. The calm Jhelum River flows steadily, its banks lined with graceful chinars, whispers of heritage echoing in the breeze. Elderly men sit on benches, absorbed in conversation; a few families stroll quietly; vendors sell snacks and tea. And yet, dominating the scene are groups of teenagers—particularly…

The Tightrope Walk: How Overbearing Love in Kashmiri Families Can Strangle a Daughter’s Married Life (And What Needs to Change)

August 18, 2025 Editor

Kashmir Family Dynamics: Why Parents Interfere in Daughters’ Marriages? | Cultural Analysis By: Zulfikar | 18 Aug 2025 The Bittersweet Symphony of Kashmiri Weddings The air in Kashmir during a wazwan feast is thick with the aroma of Rogan Josh and Rista, the rhythmic beat of the dhol, and an undeniable undercurrent of profound emotion. A daughter, adorned in intricate pashmina and gold, prepares to leave her maika (natal home). Tears flow freely – tears of joy, tradition, and an immense, palpable sorrow. The rukhsati (departure) is a cultural moment etched deep into the Kashmiri psyche, symbolizing a profound…

The 21-Course Curse: Kashmir’s Lavish Weddings & The Shocking Rise Of Instant Divorce – Can Tradition Be Saved?

July 12, 2025 Editor

Kashmir Marriage Crisis: Lavish Weddings, Rising Divorce & Islamic Solutions | Social Change By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 12 July 2025 The majestic valleys of Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” are echoing with a dissonant sound: the clatter of extravagant wedding festivities swiftly followed by the hushed, painful whispers of divorce papers filed within weeks, sometimes days. Beneath the surface of vibrant phirans, glittering jewelry, and the intoxicating aroma of wazwan, a profound social crisis is fracturing the very fabric of Kashmiri society. This isn’t merely about changing…

Travel Associations in Kashmir Advocate for Alcohol Ban: A Stand for Tradition

February 16, 2025 Editor

Kashmir’s Travel and Tourism Associations Advocate for Alcohol Ban Srinagar, 15 Feb : The joint travel and tourism bodies of Kashmir reaffirm their full support for the proposed complete ban on alcohol in the region. This measure aligns with Kashmir’s cultural, social, and religious values and will help create a healthier and more respectful environment for both residents and visitors. As Kashmir is promoted as a family-oriented tourism destination, we believe there should be a complete ban on alcohol in the region, similar to the alcohol ban in Gujarat. While…