#KashmiriCulture Archives

‘Zamtoor Go Bartaluk Hoon’: Why the Kashmiri Son-In-Law is Called a Dog

September 12, 2025 Editor

A Proverb That Stirs Curiosity By: Zulfikar Kashmiri | 12 September 2025 Language is more than words—it’s history, emotion, and humor wrapped in sound. In Kashmir, a land of mountains, poetry, and traditions, proverbs are a living heritage. They aren’t just sayings; they are mirrors of society, reflecting values, relationships, and even prejudices. Among the hundreds of witty, wise, and sometimes biting Kashmiri proverbs, one stands out for its peculiar harshness: “Zamtoor go bartaluk hoon.” (Translation: The son-in-law is a dog.) At first glance, it sounds offensive—why compare a son-in-law…

From Kashmir to Canada: Jamawar Sarees Weaving Heritage Into Global Glam

September 11, 2025September 11, 2025 Editor

From Kashmir to Canada: Jamawar Sarees | Heritage Fashion | Kashmir Store & Kashmir Bazar By: Javid Amin | 11 Sep 2025 When Kashmir Meets Global Glamour Fashion often travels faster than people. It has the power to carry a story, a culture, and a legacy across continents. Recently, when Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor graced an international stage wearing a hand-embroidered Jamawar saree, the world wasn’t just admiring her style—it was celebrating Kashmir’s centuries-old artistry. This moment became more than a fashion statement. It was a cultural bridge between Kashmir…

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

January 17, 2025 Editor

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…

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

October 22, 2023 Editor

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’…

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

October 4, 2023 Editor

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…

Mitigating Food Wastage at Lavish Kashmiri Weddings

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023 Editor

“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.…