Author: Aamir Ali Bhat
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.
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.
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.
For the love of farming
Nestled among the lush apple orchards of Gagran village in Shopian district in Kashmir, Ali Mohammad Mir’s two-story mud house is a site for a thriving vermicomposting unit. The seventy year old farmer defies conventional farming practices and embraces eco-friendly entrepreneurship.
The Srinagar haveli where ‘Rockstar’ was shot
Jalali House, a downtown Srinagar marvel, hosts political dignitaries from pre and post-independence India. This heritage gem also stars in Bollywood films, drawing tourists to the valley.
Crafting a traditional tandoor
In Kashmir’s Palhalan village, many families are involved in making the traditional tandoors (clay ovens), which are used for baking the local bread - T’chot. Making a tandoor is a traditional craft that has been passed down through generations in this village.
My name is Shoaib & I am a trans woman
Harassed by family, Shoaib Khan, shut hurtful words out and focussed on breaking transgender stereotypes. After becoming a woman, she chose to retain her male name. Shoaib works at an IT company and hopes for society to become more inclusive.
Vermicompost: How earthworms helped this Kashmiri farmer succeed
This 70-year-old farmer in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir runs a successful vermicompost organic fertiliser unit from a mud house in his village.
Young innovator revolutionises farming in Kashmir
Engineering graduate Naik Qayoom builds an automatic seed-sowing machine and other agri tools that have found significant attention and demand.
Young musicians revive Sufi music in Kashmir
On this World Music Day on June 21, we feature two young musicians from Jammu and Kashmir who are working to revive the traditional Sufi music in the region by playing and promoting traditional instruments like the rabab and sarangi.
The last water-run flour mills of Kashmir
In Kashmir, a few elderly people are keeping a legacy alive by running traditional water flour mills. However, they say, they are the last ones in their families who are associated with this profession.
The last of Kashmir’s flour water mills
Traditional water flour mills once thrived in Kashmir but only a few survive now. Called aab-e-gratte, these mills are cost-effective and run on water current from streams. They are mostly operated by the elderly – perhaps the last generation pursuing this profession.
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.
Kashmir’s youngsters take to mushroom farming
With help from the government, thousands of youths turn to mushroom cultivation to earn a livelihood.
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.
Meet 82-year-old Wani, who runs Kashmir’s last traditional oil mill
Every village in Kashmir once had ox-driven oil presses made of wood and stone until machine extraction came. But one man clings on. Ghulam Mohammad Wani’s mill is the last of its kind in Kashmir.
Kangri, the secret to Kashmiri warmth, and the risk around it
Kashmiri villagers keep the tradition of the kangri alive – the wicker enclosed personal fire pot – despite the health risks and many urbanites turning to cheap electric heaters to keep them warm in winter.
Kashmir’s cricket bats go global, give English willow a run for its money
Bat-maker Fawzul Kabeer helps bring Kashmiri willow bats the attention and market they deserve.
Kashmir’s cricket bats go global, give English willow a run for its money
Bat-maker Fawzul Kabeer helps bring Kashmiri willow bats the attention and market they deserve.