Healing Through Music and Poetry

Kashmir, known for its breathtaking landscapes and mystic allure, has long been a land where the sacred intertwines with the everyday. Its valleys resonate not only with the sounds of nature but also with the spiritual cadence of Sufi music and poetry, an ancient cultural expression that has been a balm for the soul in troubled times. Today, as Kashmir navigates its way through political strife and societal challenges, there’s an inspiring resurgence of Sufi traditions, especially in music, offering a path of healing, reflection, and unity.

At the heart of Kashmiri Sufism lies the rishi tradition, deeply rooted in the teachings of saints like Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali and Lal Ded, whose verses continue to echo through the valleys. Their words, often accompanied by the sound of traditional instruments like  the rabab or the santoor, form the backbone of Kashmiri spiritual life. But what’s remarkable is how these timeless traditions are being reimagined in today’s world, finding resonance in new generations seeking solace amid chaos.

Sufi music has a unique power: it transcends the mundane and speaks directly to the heart. In Kashmir, where the weight of conflict often looms large, this music acts as a bridge between the material and the divine. It invites both the listener and the performer into a space of meditation, where suffering can be understood and accepted rather than resisted. For centuries, Kashmiris have turned to qawwali, ghazals, and devotional songs as tools of resistance—resistance against despair, division, and violence. The resurgence of these forms of music today reflects a community's deep-seated desire for peace.

Recently, there has been a significant revival of Sufi performances across the valley, with both traditional and contemporary artists bringing the poetic works of mystics like Rumi, Hafiz, and local Kashmiri saints back into the public consciousness. Small gatherings in homes, larger community festivals, and even social media platforms have become spaces where Sufi poetry and music are celebrated. These events are more than cultural displays—they are communal experiences of healing, where the shared act of listening and singing dissolves boundaries of caste, religion, and political affiliation.

What is perhaps most striking is how this revival is not just a nostalgic return to the past but an evolving art form. Musicians are blending traditional Sufi music with modern instruments, creating a fusion that speaks to young Kashmiris growing up in a digital world. This fusion preserves the spiritual core of the music while making it accessible to a new generation in need of its healing properties. Artists like Rashid Hafiz and Mohammad Muneem are leading the way, reinterpreting classic Sufi verses with fresh energy, their voices breathing life into age-old wisdom.

Beyond the beauty of the music, Sufi poetry in Kashmir has always served as a reminder of the universal truths of love, humility, and unity. In a region often divided by politics, these themes are deeply relevant. As Lal Ded famously said, “I saw myself as no different from others; in my heart, I am everyone’s equal.” Her words, like the music that accompanies them, encourage Kashmiris to see beyond differences and to recognize their shared humanity.

In a world increasingly dominated by noise—both literal and metaphorical—Sufi music offers a counterpoint, a quiet space where one can reconnect with inner peace. This is why its revival is so crucial in Kashmir today. It’s not just about preserving an ancient art form; it’s about reclaiming a collective sense of healing. In a society that has been through so much, the sounds of Sufi music remind people that peace is not just a distant dream but something that can be cultivated from within.

As Kashmir continues its journey through uncertain times, the revival of Sufi culture provides more than just artistic enrichment—it offers a pathway to emotional and spiritual resilience. Through the power of music and poetry, Kashmiris are finding ways to heal, to hope, and to believe in a future where the spirit of oneness triumphs over division.

In this revival, we see a profound truth: while circumstances may change, the need for connection, for music that speaks to the soul, remains timeless. Sufi music is not merely a sound; it’s a lifeline, one that Kashmir has clung to for centuries—and one that continues to offer salvation today.