About Kashmir - History, Weather, Language, Art and Craft

by Dherya Tyagi Travelling to World

Kashmir is the crowning glory of India. Occupying the northernmost region of the subcontinent, Kashmir is known for its lush valleys, rolling green meadows, and gushing river with the backdrop of the snowcapped Himalayas. Kashmir has turned into a tourism hub for peace seekers, nature lovers, and outdoor explorers. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Kashmir. The rich combination of various ethnicities, races, beliefs, and faiths has managed to create an aura of unparalleled serenity.

History of Kashmir

Kashmir is an ancient, historical, and mythological land whose name is derived from the Sanskrit word -which means Land of Kashyap Rishi. As per mythology, Kashyap Rishi was a Saraswat Brahmin who was a key person in formalizing the ancient Historical Vedic Religion. This land has historical and geographical values and is placed as a jeweled crown on the map of India. The land is beautifully standing in between two major Himalayan ranges; the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal which ethically surround the scenery from south to north. This beautiful land Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: the Kashmir valley Jammu, and Ladakh. It is a valley land and is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape which attracts people from all over the world. The land is also known as the holy land and every year thousands of Hindu pilgrims come and visit the land.

The land is also ruled by Mughals and according to Mughals the land is ‘Paradise on Earth’. Kashmir is wonderfully surrounded by lovely valleys, waterfront gardens, and great rivers which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.

In this land, one can have journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer and with these beauties, one can truly have ideal vacations with great love and care.

As we know that this land is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons where one can truly enjoy the weather and feel the cool blossom. Although the weather of the land is cool and pleasant in winters it becomes more loving and pleasant when snow carpets the mountains with white snow.

Weather

Like other places, Kashmir has also four distinct seasons spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Interestingly, each season has its own strange character and distinctive charm which attracts visitors every season.

Seasons

Spring is a cool and pleasant season that extends roughly from March to early May. This is also the best time to book a Kashmir tour package. The weather can be gloriously pleasant at 23oC or chilly and windy at 6oC.

· Summer - Extends from May until the end of August. In this weather, light woolens may be required to wear. Srinagar at this time experiences day temperatures of between 25oC and 35oC.The entire valley is covered with varying shades of green - rice fields, meadows, trees.

· Autumn - The loveliest season which generally starts towards September. In this season the green valley turns to gold and then to russet and red which gives an idea of winter arrives. The temperature goes 23oC in September and at night temperatures dip to 10oC by October.

· Winter - Begins from December to the beginning of March is wintertime when the weather is cool and the land gets covered by lovely snow. Snow-covered landscapes are being watched from beside the warmth of a fire which gives a charming experience.

Language

Kashmir has an Indo-Aryan language and was approximately 5,527,698 speakers Kashmiri language to make it more important in 2008, the Kashmiri language has been made a compulsory subject in all schools up to the secondary level. Since it has Islamic culture, so here the second language is Urdu which is frequently spoken by people. Along with other regional languages, Hindi is also an important language.

Religion

Jammu and Kashmir have three major religious faiths, and these are basically Hinduism and Buddhism, and Islam. Moreover, the major population is clearly dominated by the Muslim population and they are broadly divided into two sects - the Sunnis and the Shias.

However, Hinduism and Buddhism also constitute a part of the religions in Kashmir. IN Kashmir, there are Kashmiri Pandits and Gujjars who are truly following their culture and representing the Kashmiri Pandits class. The Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir has followers of Buddhism, but they are present in negligible numbers.

Art and Craft

They also support the development of the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among these people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Kashmir is a land of rich and diverse tradition, of art & craft beauty. It is a diverse land of festivals, colors, fragrances, languages, and religions where one can find verify of Art and craft items from different regions and people. As this beautiful land has traditional handicrafts one can find beauty, dignity, form, and style of art and craft. The majestic appeal of Kashmiri arts and crafts lays exclusivity in items like Carpets, Shawls, Wood Work and other handcrafts.

Shawls: Kashmiri shawls are widely famous and are known for their classic designs and elegant look. These shawls are made from three fibers like wool, Pashmina, and Shahtoosh which are of premium quality and are highly appreciated in by the people.

Carpets: Carpets are handmade and are known for their fine finishing of the artwork & material makes carpet expensive. These carpets demand by all classes of people and appreciated by them.

Wood Work: Woodwork is done on walnut and Chinar wood, which is minutely done by the artisan. The products are of fine texture and smooth grain patterns.

Silverware: The Silverware work known as ‘Naqash’ is an ancient art of Kashmir. This art and craftwork are still wonderful and delicately being carried by the people. The work is reflecting ancient art.