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Showing posts from March 23, 2015

Kashmiri Mirch: The Secret Behind Its Unique Appeal

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Kashmiri Mirch: The Secret Behind Its Unique Appeal Kashmiri Mirch, locally known as Marchwangan in Kashmir, is an essential ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine. Almost every household in the region grows these chillies in their orchards, making them a staple in Kashmiri cooking. However, their appeal goes far beyond local kitchens—Kashmiri chillies are widely used across India and internationally for their vibrant color and distinct flavor. What Makes Kashmiri Mirch Special? Unlike many other varieties of chilli, Kashmiri Mirch is known for its deep red hue and mild heat. It strikes the perfect balance, adding a rich color to dishes without overwhelming them with spiciness. This makes it a preferred choice for chefs and home cooks worldwide. Key characteristics of Kashmiri Mirch: ✔ Vibrant Red Color: Gives a striking red hue to curries, gravies, and marinades. ✔ Mild Heat Level: Provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. ✔ High Color Retention: Retains its b...

Peer Baba Shakur-Ud-Din Wali shrine at Bandipora Kashmir

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Born at Arith Pargana, Machhama, District Baba Shakur-Ud-Din Wali by Bandipora -Kashmir Budgam in 790. as per the Islamic calendar. war4u.in Shakur-Ud-Din Wali was a religious person and a hard worker. As he grew, he came under influence of two pious people, He traced out one of them Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din wali at Charar-e- Sharif who sent him to Ashmuqam, Islamabad where he met Hazrat Zainuddin Rishi from whom he received spiritual knowledge. After a few years, he was told to go to Sharikot(Snagri) and meditate there. Here, the Peer Baba assisted the locals and performed miracles. As his fame grew, people from all religions, flocked to him for help and spiritual guidance. war4u.in Baba reshi of Tangmarg/Gulmarg fame was once his assistant and impressed by his services Baba shakuruddin blessed him and settled him in Tangmarg. Baba Reshi gifted a decorated wooden door to the Shrine, know to have spiritual powers(This door is permanently displayed at the entrance to the shrine)...

Jammmu And Kashmir Castes and Surnames

Kashmiri Castes and Surnames In his book "The Valley of Kashmir", Walter R. Lawrence describes the origin of Kashmiri Krams (surnames) as an interesting phenomenon. Although the Krams have ceased to have any individuality or distinction, yet to inquire whether the various Krams sprang from a Brahman, Kshatriya or Vaisya origin. It is supposed by many that Muslims of the Pandit, Koul, Butt, Yettu, Rishi, Mantu and Ganai Krams are descendants of Brahmans. He further states that he tried to trace in the features of the men of those krams but found that the Muslims of the Pandit Kram is exactly like other Muslims. Zat or Kram: All kinds of surnames in Kashmir are called either Kram or Zat. Dr. Madan writing about the Zat says, the important question is what does Zat denote? Apparently it points to birth, as does the well-known word Jati elsewhere among the Hindus. The Kashmiris use the word Zat in a broader sense, however, to connote essence or inherent nature. Bad-Zat is a...

Jammu And Kashmir Literature and Poetry

Literature and Poetry Kashmiri Literature has a history of at least 2,500 years, dating back to the glory days of Sanskrit. The use of the Kashmiri language began with the poet Lalleshvari or Lal Ded (14th century), who wrote mystical verses. Another mystic of her time equally revered in Kashmir and popularly known as Nunda Reshi wrote powerful poetry like his senior Lal Ded. Later, came Habba Khatun (16th century) with her own style. Other major names are Rupa Bhavani (1621-1721), Arnimal (d. 1800), Mahmud Gami (1765-1855), Rasul Mir (d. 1870), Paramananda (1791-1864 ), Maqbool Shah Kralawari (1820-1976). Also the Sufi poets like Shamas Fakir, Wahab Khar, Soch Kral, Samad Mir, and Ahad Zargar. Among modern poets are Ghulam Ahmad Mahjur (1885-1952), Abdul Ahad Azad (1903-1948), and Zinda Kaul (1884-1965). During 1950s, a number of well educated youth turned to Kashmiri writing, both poetry and prose, and enriched modern Kashmiri writing by leaps and bounds. Among these writers ar...

culture of Jammu and Kashmir

culture  of Jammu and Kashmir  Distinct from the rest of the country, Jammu and Kashmir sports a multi-faceted, multi-colored 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 s...

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir, is known as heaven on earth. In the seventeenth century the Mughal emperor Jahangir set his eyes on the valley of Kashmir. After getting mesmerized with the beauty of this valley, he is reported to have said, "if paradise is anywhere on the earth, its here, its here, its here." In Jammu and Kashmir the most important tourist places are Kashmir, Srinagar, the Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Jammu, and Ladakh. Some areas require a special permit for non- Indians to visit. Famous Tourist Destinations In Kashmir: *.  Vernag  - A fresh water spring and a Mughal garden next to it, spring is chief source of Jhelum River. *.  Srinagar  - Capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Dotted with lakes and gardens, this city of Kashmir is always a treat to enjoy in. *.  Dal lake  - the most famous lake in Srinagar. Located in the heart of city it is dotted with the famous house-boats called shikharas. *.  Manasbal Lake  - One of the deepest lakes...

Geology of Kashmir

Geology of Kashmir The Geology of the territories of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh has been studied in some detail by R. Lydekkar. He has divided the territory into three different structural Zones: 1. The Panjal 2. The Zanskar 3. The Tertiary Groups These three Geological divisions form the basis of the four physical divisions of the State. The Panjal forms the Outer plain, the Outer Hills and the Middle Mountains. The Zankar includes the whole of the eastern region from Spiti and Lahol (32.170N. Latitude) to the lofty Karakoram mountains in the north. The Tertiary Groups include the valley of Kashmir and other river Valleys. The oval valley of Kashmir is longitudinal. It is about 1700 metres above sea level. There is a high wall of mountains round the valley. These rise to a height of 5500 metres above sea level. The only outlet of the valley is Baramulla where the Jehlum flows out through a narrow gorge. The entire drainage of the valley of Kashmir and its surrounding areas has on...