Tag: #KashmiriCulture

Warmth in the Cold: Kangris, Harissa, and the Spirit of Chillai Kalan

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Warmth in the Cold: Kangris, Harissa, and the Spirit of Chillai Kalan

Chillai Kalan: A Journey Through Kashmir’s Winter Heritage By: Javid Amin When the chill of winter sweeps across Kashmir, it heralds the arrival of Chillai Kalan, the harshest and most enchanting 40-day period of winter. Beginning on December 21, this season is much more than a climatic event; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply woven into the fabric of Kashmiri life. From the warmth of a kangri tucked under a traditional pheran to the comforting aroma of harissa and the ceremonial sip of kehwa, Chillai Kalan brings together tradition, resilience, and…

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‘Daan’, Kashmir’s Traditional Clay Stove: A Symbol of Resilience and Culture

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'Daan', Kashmir's Traditional Clay Stove: A Symbol of Resilience and Culture

By : Umar Raina Once a part of every household in Kashmir valley, ‘Daan,’ a traditional clay stove known for its exceptional cooking qualities still holds a special place in the kitchens of some villages in Kashmir, particularly in the Ganderbal district. While modern cooking gadgets have become the norm in many households, the ‘Daan’ has managed to endure in certain communities, offering a unique culinary experience that residents hold dear to their lives. The Decline of the ‘Daan’ Over the past couple of decades, the use of the ‘Daan’…

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Exploring Autumn in Thomas Moore’s ‘Lalla Rookh’ – A Journey Through Poetry

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Exploring Autumn in Thomas Moore’s 'Lalla Rookh' - A Journey Through Poetry

Embracing Autumn’s Bounty in Kashmir By: Javid Amin As autumn blankets the picturesque region of Kashmir, a season of plenty and preparation unfolds. This season, often referred to as the “queen of all seasons” in Kashmir, brings a multitude of changes and traditions. Harvest Season: Farmers gather grains while nomads descend from highland pastures with their herds of sheep and goats. The landscape undergoes a transformation as chinar leaves turn from yellow to crimson, and grapes, apples, and walnuts ripen. A Season of Plenty: Kashmir’s autumn is marked by a…

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Mitigating Food Wastage at Lavish Kashmiri Weddings

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Mitigating Food Wastage at Lavish Kashmiri Weddings

“Eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loveth not the wasters” (Surat Al-A’raf 7: 31) By: Javid Amin Kashmiri weddings, celebrated for their opulence and grandeur, often feature extravagant feasts. Families invest considerable resources in creating lavish spreads to commemorate these joyous occasions. However, this lavishness has a considerable downside – a staggering amount of food wastage. A study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has revealed that up to 40% of the food served at Kashmiri weddings goes to waste.…

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