Old Kashmir’s living traditions at display in Kulgam
Kulgam, Oct 16: The lawns of Government Degree College Kulgam turned into a slice of old Kashmir on Thursday as the Vaishaw Literary and Cultural Festival 2025 opened with a vibrant display of art, heritage, and literature.
Organised by Kulgam district administration, the two-day festival features a “heritage village”, a recreated scene from rural Kashmir of decades ago.
Students from various schools, guided by their teachers, built thatched-roof mud houses, displayed clay utensils, and arranged dried red peppers, tomatoes, and pumpkins, showing how people once lived and prepared for winter.
“We wanted our students to understand their roots and see how life used to be in our villages,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a teacher from Government Middle School D H Poora. “Collecting these old items took a lot of time and effort. Through this display, we are trying to revive our culture, language, and the spirit of brotherhood.”
Students dressed in traditional pherans and dajis performed folk songs and wanwun, while local poets recited verses in Kashmiri and Urdu, celebrating the works of Sufi saints like Nund Reshi and Lal Ded.
“It feels nostalgic,” said 80-year-old Ghulam Muhammad from Kulgam, who came to see the exhibition. “This is how our villages once looked — simple, pure, and full of harmony.”
The literary segment of the festival saw the release of five books by prominent Kashmiri writers and poets.
Several young poets also presented their works, reflecting the growing interest of Kashmir youth in literature and cultural expression.
“Our teachers have always encouraged us to value our traditions along with modern education,” said Tamjeeda Bashir, a student of Government Degree College Kulgam. “Through this festival, we are learning by doing and performing.”
Officials said the event aims to revive Kashmir’s cultural identity and encourage the younger generation to take pride in their heritage.
“Literature, art, and culture are deeply connected in Kashmir,” said one of the organisers. “Festivals like this help keep that connection alive.”
As the autumn sun set behind the hills of Kulgam, the festival grounds echoed with Kashmiri music and poetry – a reminder that even in a fast-changing world, Kashmir’s living traditions continue to inspire, unite, and endure.
