Kashmir
Woman fights hidden drug epidemic in Kashmir
The Grooming Kashmir (TGK) de-addiction centre, founded by psychologist Laila Qureshi, is battling the silent epidemic of drug abuse plaguing Kashmir, offering holistic treatment for addiction amid societal stigma and resistance.
From housewife to e-rickshaw driver, Kashmiri woman rides toward financial freedom
Kaunsar Jan turned heads when she decided to become an e-rickshaw driver, navigating the bustling streets of Srinagar, breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes and embarking on a journey towards financial independence.
Rising human-wildlife conflicts distress Kashmir villagers
As urbanisation and deforestation encroach on natural habitats, wild animals are coming in closer contact with humans. Villagers in Kashmir, many of whom depend on farming and orchard work, are finding themselves particularly vulnerable to these encounters.
Kashmiri women break gender shackles at Muharram
With more women coming out to participate in the Muharram processions, the mourning rites are achieving a new aspect in Kashmir. Village Square does a round-up of this year’s observance in the Valley in photos.
This is why gucchi mushrooms are the world’s priciest
Morel mushrooms, also known as gucchi, may be the globe’s most expensive mushroom, but now climate change is impacting its availability. Village Square does a visual essay on what goes into sourcing the prized delicacy.
A visual journey through the saffron town of Kashmir
Welcome to Pampore, the saffron town of Kashmir, where nature's splendour and the region’s cultural heritage converge to create captivating sights and experiences throughout the year.
Women wedding photographers click in Kashmir
More brides are finding comfort in being clicked by female photographers on their big day. Village Square meets two of them.
Fading notes of Kashmiri santoor
Ghulam Muhammad Zaz could be Kashmir’s last santoor maker, despite the instrument being integral to Sufi and Kashmiri folk music.
Kashmir gets a bagful of green venture
Troubled by the presence of polythene litter and low employment opportunities in Kashmir, an engineering graduate took action by establishing the region’s first industrial unit producing environment-friendly products thereby reducing the reliance on polythene products.
Kashmir’s turquoise crafts may fade into oblivion
Turquoise jewellery encapsulates Kashmir's rich cultural heritage. The traditional craft got severely impacted due to covid as many craftsmen moved to other jobs. Mohammad Hanief finds himself the sole torchbearer of this tradition today.
Tosha: A traditional sweet delicacy of Kashmir
Tosha is a sweet delicacy of the northern districts of Jammu and Kashmir. It was once the preferred sweet on special occasions but had since lost its appeal. However, over the last couple of years, it has witnessed a resurgence, and its demand has increased again.
Crafting Warmth for children
Abdul Rehman Mattoo is a 75-year-old blanket craftsman who has devoted his six decades to crafting blankets. Today despite his declining health and modest sales, Abdul Rehman persists in continuing his ancestral work at his workshop in Chattabal, Srinagar.
Gufkrals: Oldest caves in Kashmir
In South Kashmir’s Tral area, 3000-year-old caves, are still being inhabited by the potters who see these caves as their inheritance. These caves, according to archaeological survey were occupied for five periods and were utilized by the potters.
Dry winter hits Gulmarg tourism
Kashmir’s Gulmarg doesn't have much snow this season. A dry winter has been devastating to Gulmarg, one of Asia’s highest ski resorts, in India.
From Mud-walls to Wilderness: Inside Kashmir’s Nature School
Concerned by the degradation of the natural environment and widespread lack of environmental awareness, a lawyer, launched Kashmir's first Nature School, aiming to produce future environmental stewards.
Photos that reveal Kashmir’s hidden wildlife treasures
Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, a forest guard who joined the wildlife department reluctantly, is now a passionate photographer who wants to make people interested in the rich natural fauna of the region.
Homestays open doors to Kashmir’s final frontier Keran
Amid a captivating landscape, the homestays in Keran become a bridge across borders, inviting guests to feel at home in one of the remotest frontier villages in Kashmir
Kashmir stares at a saffron sunset
Pampore, the hub of Kashmiri saffron, casts a gloomy picture as production of the prized spice declines due to climate change, encroachment of fields, inadequate irrigation and intrusion of cheaper Iranian variants
Kashmiri women navigate success in water chestnuts
Locally known as Singhara, water chestnuts grow naturally on the margins of Wular - one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. From harvesting the produce to selling, it is an industry run primarily by women.
Kashmiri Muslims preserve ancient Shiva temple
The existence of an ancient Shiva temple in the predominantly Islamic village of Payer in Pulwama becomes a tale of communal harmony and historical preservation.