Kashmir
How Kashmir’s Shiite Muslims commemorated 9th Muharram
In a solemn display of religious devotion, thousands of Shiite Muslim mourners gathered in the interiors of Dal Lake to observe the 9th day of Muharram. Embarking on wooden boats from Rainawari to Kaenkech, they commemorated Ashura, honouring the martyrdom of Prophet Hussain's grandson and faithful companions in Karbala, a tradition upheld with fervour for centuries in Kashmir.
Kashmir’s walnut wonders
In the Haft Yarbal area of Safakadal, located just 3.6 km from Srinagar's bustling Lal Chowk, a group of artisans breathe life into wood with their masterful hands. The magic of wood carving unfolds as delicate instruments shape intricate designs to create motifs on furniture and home decor pieces.
Women suffer as Kashmir garlic faces market blues
As the market for Kashmiri garlic records a slump for the fourth year in a row, growers have been pushed against the wall in the Valley’s villages.
Turning Kashmir’s potatoes into popular chips
Potato farmers in Kashmir’s Gurez valley hope for better economy and local employment opportunities for the youth after a corporate company’s interest in the Valley’s potatoes.
Rain washes away bumper cherry crop
With untimely rain and hailstorm almost wiping out the harvest this year, cherry farmers in Kashmir have been left struggling for money.
Kashmir’s cherry farmers battle nature’s fury
Despite the introduction of new varieties and advanced techniques, untimely rainfall has significantly impacted cherry growers in the Valley, affecting their crop after a harsh winter.
Mandala art and Kashmir’s shikara sorceress
Mahira Shah, a 21-year-old artist from Kashmir, has overcome several challenges to pursue her passion, finally winning laurels for creating ‘world's smallest mandala shikara’.
The wrung dhobi ghats of Kashmir
In the Old City of Srinagar, amidst numerous Dhobi Ghats on the Jhelum's banks, a few resilient ghats still bear the legacy of centuries. Meet Kashmir's dhobis who carry on their trade against societal odds.
Impact of climate change on Kashmir’s mushroom pickers
Unpredictable weather patterns, early springs, and above-average temperatures have left gucchi mushroom hunters in distress, facing another season of low yield for the second consecutive year.
Pad perfect – championing menstrual hygiene
Two humble initiatives in Odisha and Jammu and Kashmir are making a difference in the lives of thousands of rural women by providing them easy access to sanitary napkins.
A dose of dandelion soothes Kashmir’s palate and health
Called ‘haend’, Kashmiris consider a wild variety of dandelion a miracle herb that cures a host of ailments. They eat it fresh, cooked and dried.
Kashmir’s farmers switch from growing apples to exotic greens
Fruit cultivation is a mainstay of Kashmir’s economy, but many farmers are clearing orchards and shifting to integrated farming to grow exotic vegetables.
Why migrant labourers keep flocking to Kashmir
Undeterred by threats to their security, hundreds of migrant labourers from different states flock to Kashmir every spring to earn their livelihood.
Deaf-mute Kashmiri woodcarver’s work leaves world speechless
Woodcarver Muhammad Yusuf Muran of Srinagar is known to be the man with golden fingers. His Midas touch on his family’s 200-year-old craft amplifies Kashmir’s handicraft heritage.
Peep into the Eid celebrations of Kashmir’s Gujjar tribe
"Eid aaye rase rase, eid-gah waes waey (Steadily, steadily Eid has arrived, let’s go to eidgah)..." As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, Kashmir’s Gujjar tribe gathers to celebrate three days of Eid in the most colourful way.
The notice that proves no one takes dowry in this village
Families sign an anti-dowry pact in Babawayil village and rule violations entail social boycott from the masjid and graveyard. There’s been no violation in 40 years.
Immerse yourself in a sea of tulips this summer
Sitting pretty on a strip between Srinagar’s Dal Lake and the snow-capped Zabarwan mountains, Asia’s largest tulip garden is set to witness 1.6 million tulips blossom.
Kashmiri artisans like none other
Started in 2010 by three differently-abled brothers, Special Hands of Kashmir is an organisation employing 40 specially-abled artisans in Budgam district of Central Kashmir. The group works to preserve the traditional Sozni embroidery craft of Kashmir. They have displayed their art in different exhibitions across India. Watch their story.
Saving Kashmir’s crewel from machine-made copies
After spurning suggestions to adopt machinery, Gowher Ali Bhat successfully carries on his father’s legacy of crewelwork handicraft, and employs 150 women artisans.
Kashmiri couture trends globally
Worn by Kashmiris of all ages and genders for centuries, the gown-like pheran is now trending globally, keeping local designers busy stitching up a storm.