music
Music of Kashmir
Music adds to the
attraction of the Kashmir valley for the tourists. The history and tradition of
music and dance in Kashmir valley goes back to thousands years back. Given
below are some main forms of the traditional music of Kashmir, along with some
Kashmiri folk songs:
Chakri
Once performed with the help of only Garaha, Sarangi and Rabab, Chakri has
included harmonium also in its presentation. It is one of the most popular
forms of the traditional music of Kashmir.
Sufiana Music
Sofians musiqui (Sufi Music) owes its introduction in Kashmir to Iran.
Introduced in the 15th century in the Kashmir valley, Sufiana music continues
to enthrall its audience till date. With the passage of time, a number of
Indian ragas were added to this music form. This classical music form of
Kashmir makes the use of Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz, Wasool or Tabla.
Hafiz Nagma
A part of the classical Sufiana Music, Hafiz Nagma makes use of Santoor-a
hundred stringed instrument played with sticks. In Hafiz Nagma, there is a
female dancer, accompanied by a number of males with instruments. The dancer,
known as Hafiza, moves her feet to the musical notes.
Song of Habba Khatoon
Habba Khatoon was a princess of Kashmir. This song reflects her feelings at the
time when she was separated from the Yousuf King.
Surma
Surma is a song in Dogri that reflects the agony of a newly married girl whose
husband is away in the Army.
| art
Art and Crafts of Jammu and
Kashmir - Magic without Illusions
The state of Jammu and Kashmir is famous the world over for its
unique and splendid work of art and crafts. Travel through even the remotest
parts of the state will give an insight into the world of art and craft in
Jammu and Kashmir. Just about everything that is seen in Jammu and Kashmir has
some kind of art work done on it. The most prominent is the embroidery work on
the shawls and the cloths of Kashmiri people are very mesmerizing to be not
noticed. You will also see the work of magic in wood works, steel wares,
Papier-mache.
Textile Works
Shawls are the most famous offering of textile works from Jammu
and Kashmir. The final product is definitely impressive, but the method by
which they are produced is equally interesting. Even in the era of power looms,
people of the state prefer making their textiles the traditional way. The
shawls are made of a special wool, called the Pashmina that is extracted from
the Kel goat. The shawls are then formed in two ways. In one way the weaving is
done on the loom itself and in other, the embroidery is done by hand after
looming. The embroidery that is done in J&K is called Kasida. In
embroidery, use of exquisite colored threads is done to make designs of Chinar
leaves, mythological figures or landscape designs. J&K also have become
famous for its silk quality and quantity. In fact silk products are exported
from J&K in huge amount. Main clothes that are made of silk are sarees,
ladies suits and head coverings.
Papier Mache
Papier Mache is another form of handicraft that has brought
J&K wide acclaim from all regions of the world. To make Papier Mache
objects, the process is very long and tedious. First the paper is soaked in
water till the time it completely dismantles. The paper is then mashed and is
mixed with an adhesive solution. The pulp is then molded into desired shape and
is dried. The outlay of the object is now ready. Now is the time for artisans
to color it and draw intricate and brilliant designs on it. The product is now
ready to hit the market. The first look on these splendorous object itself will
compel you to make them your own. There are cheaper versions of Papier Mache as
well that are made up of cardboard. Pen boxes, table lamps, show pieces and
other decorative items are few that are made from Papier Mache.
Wood Carvings
Wood Carving industry has grown by leaps and bounds in the last
few years in J&K. In fact, wood carving industry of J&K is the most
famous in entire country. The Walnut wood is considered the best wood for
carvings. Not only because it is readily available, but even after excessive
carvings, the wood retains its strength. The main attraction of woodcarvings is
the woodwork on the ceiling of the rooms. The technique for this work is
immensely complicated and the end product is equally mesmerizing. This kind of
woodcarving is called Khatam Band. Woodcarving can also be seen on chairs,
tables, jewelry boxes and on any thing and every thing that is made of woods.
Art and craft is something that you will see, touches every aspect
of life in J&K. Be it the clothes they wear or the homes they live in,
everything in some way or the other has crafts involved in it. Most of these
things are brilliant enough to be taken home as souvenirs of your travel to
J&K. Lal Chowk and Badshah Chowk in Srinagar and Vir Marg and Hari Market
is Jammu are the best places where you can indulge in shopping.
| dance
Kashmir is the
northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, which is renowned for its
natural beauty and quiet lifestyle. But apart from this, Kashmir also has its
own share of festivities and glamour, when it comes to practising the folk
dances. The folk dances of Kashmir encompass the entire population, as though
it is a festival in itself. Some of the unique festivals of Kashmir are as
follows:
Bhand Jashna
Bhand Jashna is a
famous "festival of clowns" of Kashmir, which also has a legacy of
300 to 400-year-old genre of Kashmiri folk theatre. It is considered as a
traditional folk theatre style having combination of play and dance in a
satirical style. Thus, it mostly depicts parodies on social situations,
expressing many strong sentiments through dance, music and clowning. This art
is usually performed in village squares, at many social and cultural functions
in front of a large audience. Bhand Jashna is performed by a group of 10 to 15
artists in their traditional style accompanied by musical instruments like the
Surnai - a Kashmiri version of the Indian Shehnai, big Dhol, Nagara, and
Peshrao.
Dumhal Dance
The famous folk dance
of the Kashmiri people is called as Dumhal, performed on set occasions and at
set locations. Generally, this dance is performed by only the men folk of
Wattal, wearing long colourful robes and tall conical caps, which are usually
studded with beads and shells. Apart from dancing, the performers also sing
along songs in chorus, tuned with music by various drums. In this dance, groups
of performers move in a ritual manner and dig a banner into the ground on
various occasions. Usually, after which, the dance begins with men dancing around
this banner.
Kud Dance
It is a typical
community dance, performed in the middle mountain ranges of the Jammu region.
The Kud dance is performed during the rainy seasons and it exhibits swaying
& sinuous movements. It is basically a ritual dance performed in honor of
the Lok Devatas and men, women and children, attired in their best, gather
around a bonfire for this nightlong ritual. When the maize is harvested, the
villagers gather & come down from the nearby hills in the vicinity of the
local deity-the Gramdevta temple. Their feeling behind these rituals is to
express their gratitude for protecting their crops, cattle and children from
natural calamities.
People of all ages
and sexes participate in this folk dance form and musical instruments like Narshingha,
chhaina, flute and drums accompany it. Jammu has rich heritage of forms of folk
dance and music, which are performed during ceremonies and social functions.
`Kud` is also such a dance form performed to please gods during nightlong
soirees.
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