Tourism in Kashmir
Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a
multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always
extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great
Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the
north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers,
which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and
decorated by lily-laden lakes.
The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they
journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool
environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care,
Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known
as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago
describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that
centred around their ownership. They also patronized the development
of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a
heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes people and making the
handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.
Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In
winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing,
tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring
and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies
beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and
valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea,
water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or
simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras
and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured
ones.
Not only the geographical conditions of the state are different but
it can also be set apart demographically with varied ethical and
social entities, diversity of religions flourishing in the area,
different language and cultural forms and heritage albeit with an
over-reigning harmony that blends in with the serenity and beauty of
the region.
Distinct from the rest of the country, Jammu and Kashmir sports a
multifaceted, multicolored and unique cultural blend. Not only the
geographical conditions of the state are different but it can also
be set apart demographically with varied ethical and social
entities, diversity of religions flourishing in the area, different
language and cultural forms and heritage albeit with an
over-reigning harmony that blends in with the serenity and beauty of
the region. One gets dazed by the sheer diversity and richness of
art and architecture, fairs and festivals, rites and rituals, seers
and sagas, languages and mountains that thrive amongst the
unparalleled cultural cohesion, which is exemplary.
Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian
as Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished here. It
also embraced the advent of Islam along with the virtues of Persian
civilization such as tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice. Nature's
grand finale of beauty, Kashmir is the masterpiece of earth's
creation and the folk performances of Kashmir are intimately mingled
with the moods and movements of the seasons.
Kashmir region has its own musical performances that have won the
hearts of many of its visitors. Bhand Pather is a traditional folk
theatre style exhibiting combination of play and dance in a
satirical style where social traditions, and evils are depicted and
performed in various social and cultural functions. Bhand Jashan is
performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their traditional style
accompanied by light music for the entertainment of people. The most
popular form of Kashmiri folk music is called Chakri that bears
resemblance to Chakra of mountainous regions of Uttar Pradesh. It
was accompanied by Garaha, Sarangi, Rabab once as the musical
instruments but today harmonium plays an important role in its
presentation. Sufiana Music migrated to Kashmir from Iran in the
15th century and flourished here as the classical music form of
Kashmir. It absorbed a number of Indian Ragas and Hafiz Nagma was
once a part of Sofiana Music. In Hafiz Nagma a dancer is a female
while her accompanists on various instruments are males. An Hafiza
(dancer) moves her feet on musical notes. The instruments that go
with this form are Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool or Tabala.
Today, only a few families in Kashmir are practicing this musical
for
The festivities and the celebration with an abundance of striking
colors in the backdrop of snow and evergreen forests, the fair and
beautiful people smiling and laughing, girls with rosy cheeks
dancing and feasting resemble the glimpse of the paradise. This is
the picture anyone on earth can watch by a visit to Jammu and
Kashmir during the festive season that comes too often to be missed
by the visitors. The enthusiasm, the zeal and the excitement
brighten up the whole state. There are major Indian festivals like
Holi and Diwali celebrated with a traditional fervor and joy and
there are a few local festivals celebrated in special Jammu style.
Lohri and Baisakhi in February, 3-day Jammu Crafts Mela during
Baisakhi in April and Bahu Mela celebrated twice a year, to name a
few
|
