Friends the things I had discussed with you all.. is related to the culture of J&K and the culture of northern India ..How the culture is prevailing and differentiated from each other.And every region has its specialty , some are popular with their music and dance while others are popular with their festivals .Some are with art and craft while others are popular with traditional dresses…
The purpose of writing blogs about J&K was just to give you a glimpse about whole J&K in one single blog.I’m not much experienced person but what I have observed and the places which I have seen.I did write on that part only according to my knowledge and search . There is nothing which I personally wanted to highlight or comment..if you found such objectionable material in my blogs I do apologize for it… thanks reading my blogs and all your comments …I’ll update it or edit it with something exciting which I forgotten to discuss or which I found something new ……

Culture.... culture... and culture all about its influences and impact.Whatever we would like to do become our culture and now a days I guess culture differs from person to person too.So what if u are from J&K,Punjab,Haryana,Utranchal,Himach Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (northern region).The states have their own cultures but being grown up in at your places you have made your own culture of it .Now hardly one can be differentiated on the basis of one’s background culture.Everyone has made its own culture by adapting the nearby cultures or those cultures which influences them or which have an impact over them.
J&K people too have change their own perceptions and cultures.People move out to different places and adapting different culture like what they used to eat a lot in their own state and after adapting other culture they start disliking the thing to be get eaten.
Talking an example of mah own “I always talk to my friends in our regional language but presently I’m staying in Punjab and here I talk in Punjabi . And when I go back to home for holidays I used to speak in Punjabi” here u can say that I have an impact of the state and I’m also influenced by the language and started using it.

J&K a highlighted issues spot


The valley, three different regions, three different communities of people and each community is dominant among their regions. Haaaah!!! Great….here the reason for issues is somewhere related to culture only. People have different culture from different region and a lot many controversies over it. People definitely want to realize people from other region that they are much more dominant and traditional. If different people from the three different cultures meet together make sure an issue is going to be built up!!! The laughter and gestures exchanges over culture soon and easily converted to fights and make big issues of it.

People found here are much aggressive. Instead of welcoming someone’s thoughts on his or her culture. The people start taking it very personally and couldn’t keep up without vomiting on others. If the people starts taking it as an addition to their knowledge about culture and stop taking it personally.
Not take all above in negative sense its juz what I perceived being a part of J&K.

""" culture of J&K is different"""

How J&K is different state among all other states of the northern region . Firstly you people know that J&K is made up of three regions. And that is what which make it different. All the states around have one main culture which represent their state but J&K has three different culture to show and follow.However it is so difficult to maintain the status bah being a single state with three different regions.Because when it comes to show the culture of the State either at national level or inter -northern region level which particular culture from which region should be shown.None of the region could be denied to come forward on the basis of culture .And to represent the State all the three cultural performances should be there.

Because in the valley people from different religion live together and have a different personality .Due to conflict between the regions , which region is much dominant. It is difficult to maintain the balance without conflicts.The culture of the regions in J&K have given equal importance.Which one region celebrates may not be celebrated bah other regions.That is why J&K has regional holidays.Kashmir celebrates all Muslim community festivals and Jammu follow all Hindu festivals where as Ladakhi’s have their own.”””So, wasn’t it truly said that culture of J&K is different”””

“Culture is similar though different “

True to say that though culture is totally different from state to state. As we already talked about the little differences in the culture existing in the states of Northern region. Though different but do similar with one another state. If the Festivals have given the importance in the states there would be some festivals rather than (local festivals restricted to local region only) which each state celebrates and enjoys .May be the ways would be different but thoughts may resemble.
Like if one region is celebrating Diwali the way they do worship to God and to which God and the food they make is of their own choice but different from other regions how they do worship to their God and make food what they wish.The way is different but the thought is similar that it’s a festival we have to worship God and have to make special food.
“These ways make culture seems different but the thoughts in mind make culture seems similar”

glimpse from thr culture of uttaranchal

The language spoken by people here is Garhawlas or Kumaon. Other important language of the state are Jaunsari and Bhotiya while Hindi seems to be taking the primary lead. The people and lifestyle of Uttaranchal, can be catagorized as primitive. Though certain cities have seen development, but most of the areas of the state has still remain undiscovered. Uttaranchal can be divided into Kol-Doms, Khasi Rajput, Khasi Brahmin, immigrant Rajput, migrant Brahmin and Bhotias. The prime occupation of people of Uttaranchal is agriculture. Festivals here celebrated are Basant Panchmi , Harela and Bhaitauli, Olgia, Bal Savitri and Ganga Dussehra .And the famous festivals are Jauljibi and Thal –Uttarayani fair, Nanda Devi Fair .Chounphula and Jhumelia dances and the Barada Nati folk dance is performed by men and women attired in colorful costumes during special occasions and religious festivals. The Pandava dance, performed during Dusshera and Diwali, portrays tales from Mahabharata comes under the dance culture of the state. Chhopati are love songs sung as questions and answers between men and women. Chounphula and Jhumeila are sung from the time of Basant Panchami that stretches till Sankranti or Baisakhi. Basanti folk songs in Uttaranchal are sung to welcome the Spring season.
The Basant season has given much more importance in Uttranchal. The folk music and dance is based on Basant Panchmi. And the other local festivals have given a lot more importance than that of national festivals. Here language is totally differs from J&K,Punjab,U.P,Haryana and Himachal Pradesh but people know hindi too.

glimpse from the state Uttar Pradesh...

Painting is common here in Uttar Pradesh and contributed a lot in the heritage of the country, India. With cave paintings in Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot depicting scenes of war, dances, festivals and hunting etc. shows that the painting culture is the oldest art form of the people living in Uttar Pradesh. One of the important crafts of Uttar Pradesh is chikankari, which is traditional hand embroidery. This form of handicrafts is mainly practiced in Lucknow. It is done on fabrics like chiffon, doruya, muslin, organza, organdie and silk. Chikan saris and kurtas make the perfect summer collections. Uttar Pradesh is the place where one of the six foremost classical dances of India is existing and that is “Kathak”. Language of Uttar Pradesh is the standard or khari boli of Hindi. However, several regional dialects of Hindi are also spoken in different places of the state, among which Bhojpuri, Braj, Awadhi, Bahgeli and Bundeli are fairly common. In fact, Bhojpuri is the second most popular language of the state after standard Hindi. Hindi and its various dialects are spoken by approximately 90 percent of the population of the state. Urdu is also spoken by a large population in the state especially in lucknow . The traditional dress of women in Uttar Pradesh are “sarees”. Salwars, a long skirt reaching below the knees, along with pyjamas or lungis, is also a common costume in the state. The male among the Muslim population of Uttar Pradesh prefer the kurta or a shirt as the upper garment, complemented by a lungi or pyjama as the lower garment. Sometimes, the kurta is substituted by a sherwani, a long coat worn in formal occasions. Additionally, they wear a cap or a turban. Muslim women wear pyjamas, kurtas and duppattas.
Writing for different cultures prevailing in northern states I found mostly a little difference come up with traditional dresses, music and dance, art and craft and other stuffs.Which help a lot to states to make a hallmark for their region or state. And U.P added a new art and that is painting other than other states.

glimpse from the culture of Himachal Pradesh..

People from Himachal Pradesh have their own believes and rituals. People love music and more love to sing songs with instruments and the best instrument they use is “flute”. Best known for their color and festivals like that of Haryana culture. Festivals are the Kullu Dussehra, Shivratri Fair (Mandi), Minjar Fair (Chamba), Mani Mahesh Chhari Yatra (Chamba), Renuka fair (Sirmaur), Lavi Trade Fair (Rampur), Vrajeshwari fair (Kangra), Jwalamukhi Fair (Jwalamukhi), Holi Fair (Sujanpur), Shivratri Fair (Mandi) and Naina Devi Fair (Bilaspur). Ramayana, Mahabharata, folklores and chilavery tales of local heores and religious deities are the themes for their folk dance. Some of the dance forms of Himachal are Losar Shona Chuksam (Kinnaur), Dangi (Chamba), Gee Dance and Burah dance, (Sirmour), Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar (Kullu) and Shunto (Lahaul & Spiti). About 90 percent of the people living in the state follow Hinduism and are divided into five main communities: Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. Apart from that you can also find tribal communities residing in the state, comprising mainly of Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. Though Hindi is the state language, many people speak Pahari. Pahari itself has many dialects and all of them trace their origin to the Sanskrit language. A majority of the population is engaged in agricultural work, however the more educated of them are now moving towards farming and other newer profession.

The people of Himachal Pradesh are quite simple in living and popularly known as Pahari people. Their number of festivals are more than J&K, Punjab and Haryana.In Himachal people are divided into Five main communities and other tribal communities too but we find that now all states are becoming the mixture of communities because of the hunt for jobs and livelihood .

"continued...... (glimpse from Haryana Culture)"

The main festivals of Haryana are Diwali, Dusshara , Holi , bathing at Sohna and Gugga naumi .People are very much fond of celebrating festivals. People from rural areas make their living on making pottery and one of the main occupation of rural area people . they make toys, statue of Gods, utensils and decorative things . Same as that Phulkari embroidery in Punjab here too is popular and is the traditional work of the people. But here the people has a different way of dressing, they wore” Ghagra-Choli. Haryana is also famous for its woven work and shawals.
The famous music is divided into two forms one is “classical Ragas” and the other is “country side music”. The classical song are The major festivals of Haryana are Diwali, Dussehera, Guagga Naumi , Holi and Bathing at Sohna . the based on group songs and specially on festivals.Holi songs are the best examples to be taken. Basically based on a theme behind the group songs. Whereas in country side music there is also groups songs but related to legendry songs, seasonal songs and ceremonial songs. Rural areas are popular with their theatres . The “Sang” is the name given to these dramas and based on love stories or tales sacrifice and humor too. Women perform different sangs in their own styles .

"Glimpse from Haryana culture"

people are very much fond of celebrating festivals. People from rural areas make their living on making pottery and one of the main occupation of rural area people . they make toys, statue of Gods, utensils and decorative things . Same as that Phulkari embroidery in Punjab here too is popular and is the traditional work of the people. But here the people has a different way of dressing, they wore” Ghagra-Choli. Haryana is also famous for its woven work and shawals.
The famous music is divided into two forms one is “classical Ragas” and the other is “country side music”. The classical song are The major festivals of Haryana are Diwali, Dussehera, Guagga Naumi , Holi and Bathing at Sohna . the based on group songs and specially on festivals.Holi songs are the best examples to be taken. Basically based on a theme behind the group songs. Whereas in country side music there is also groups songs but related to legendry songs, seasonal songs and ceremonial songs. Rural areas are popular with their theatres . The “Sang” is the name given to these dramas and based on love stories or tales sacrifice and humor too. Women perform different sangs in their own styles.

Here we had observed that a total difference in the traditional dresses where in J&K
and Punjab "salwar kameez" is worn by the women and here in Harayna women used to wear Gaghra choli as their traditional dresses.

culture of Northern states how differntiated with that of J&K

Northern states:
1)J&K
2)Punjab
3)Haryana
4)Himachal Pradesh
5)Uttaranchal
6)Uttar Pradesh

If we compare J&K’s culture with the culture of Punjab we found a great difference between the two cultures but similarities too.


Culture of Punjab:
Traditional dresses of Punjab the Turban was the “crowing glory” of all Punjabis whether Muslim ,Hindu and Sikh. Muslims and Hindus have given up their turbans and we found very few of the people from Sikh community following the Turban .Phulkari is the traditional embroidery and the dresses made by phulkai is called “Pulkaris” and are worn by Punjabi women on special occasions and ceremonies.
Making Ornaments and Jewellery is the best and popular art of Punjab. The love legends are from this state only . The music of the state is based on love, romance and separation . Songs like “sundar mundriye tera kon vichara” sing by children on the festival of “Lohri”.
Dance and Darma on repining of crops, performed by men only . The season of monsoon is celebrated a lot because the married girls come to their home for the vacations to meet their family members,friends and relatives ,wear the traditional dresses and swing under the trees.
Jungni is the basically song sing by the men to dedicate their beloved ones. That was the glimpse from the Punjab culture and here we found that themes of songs are same that of J&K’s but a little difference is there in stories behind the songs . Both the cultures believes in enjoying and celebrating festivals . Example the same song sing by children in J&K too on “Lohri” which is basically a Punjabi song. Thus there are some points where one culture matches with another .

glimpse of " Leisure Tourism"

If we talk about the leisure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. The first thing comes in mind are the monuments. The "Hari Parbhat" is the Mugal fort situated on the banks of the Dal lake of Srinagar. It has a Parvati Temple on the western slope and the muslim shrines of "Khwaja Makhdoom Shahib and Akhund Mullah Shah" on the southern one. The "Amar Mahal place and Ram Nagar Palace" in Udampur are the most well known palaces of the state. Amar Mahal Palace was the housing of Dogra rulers in Kashmir. This Palace is nw converted into a museum. On the other hand Ram Nagar Palace has he famous Sheesh Mahal Palace, Darbal hall and Rang Mahal.
The Baghe Bahu Fort in Jammu is the oldest structure built almost 3000 years ago by Raja Bahulochan by restored by Dorga Kings. This fort has beautiful Garden, water falls and situated on the bank of Twai river .The Patnitop is another hill station which is also the most visited place in Jammu. The place is fully covered by pine trees and dense forest.

Hence, we found that J&K got so much of places to be get visited. Travelling to these places is quite easy by means of railways, roadways and airways.

continued....

The most attractive Himalayan mountains range invites tourists on large scale.It is the world's largest range and highest peak too.The Puga valley of Jammu and Kashmir is well-known for its sulphur and borax deposists and hot water springs. The Suru valley forms the fondation of the Kargil District in J&K.

Jammu and Kashmir is also famous for its water bodies. The “ Dal lake and Nagin lake” of Srinagar are like jewels in the crown of the state. Most of the beautiful lakes in India. Tourists are fascinated and get attracted to the lake to observe the beauty . Shikars are also available and decorated beautifully. Nishant Garden is on the bank of the Dal lake. This garden has a specialty that it has a water canal in the middle of the Garden that attracts tourist a lot and a favorite picnic spot.

"""tourism in J&k""""

The beautiful state is visited by n number of people from different sates and countries too.The mountains , gardens , lakes , temples , scenic vallies , caves etc are its charm and adds to its beauti. These are considered to be the most important aspect of the state Jammu and Kashmir. It is also visited by lot many pilgrims from all across countries.A pilgrimage to "VAISHNO DEVI CAVE" is one of the most holiest pilgrimages. The another holiest place is "AMARNATH CAVE" located on the mount amarnath in Srinagar. In the month of Shravan, on the full moon on August, more than thousands of hindus religious devotees go on pilgrimage up to the cave.The Makhali temple in Jammu is next to Vaishno Devi Cave respect to spiritual powers. The "Khir Bwani" in Kashmir is another important "Hindu Shrine".The Charar-e-sharif in Jammu & Kashmir is the mausoleum of Shaikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, and is the holy place for the muslim Devotees. This Shrine draws all people from different religions to seek his blessings. THE Gurudawara in J&K Chhati-Padshahi Gurudawara, situated near kathi Darwaza, shrinagar, which is a great awe by the devotees of Sikh religion.AA

I hav seen lot many cultures prevailing in India.As each state has its own culture and from the pre entries of mah bolgs we found that states are divided into regions and these regions are further divided to different culture... as taken J&K for an instance..J&K shows a variety of culture. And these all three regions Jammu , Kashmir and Ladakh's culture makes a unique culture which represents the state J & k.

The dance,music,lifestyle,cuisine,festivals...all are totally different but somewhere upto an extent we can say that yes other cultures prevailing in India are a bit similar..just get differentiated on the basis of different names given to them...

we can take for instance the dressing style here in Jammu ladies use to wear "salwar kameez with dupata" and we call it "dogri drees" but same dress wear by ladies of Punjab too...then it comes under "Punjabhi dress". So we can say that somewhere different culture shows similarities too...

POK (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir)The total area of the state of Jammu and Kashmir is 222,236 sq kilometers but about 78,114 sq. kilometers has been occupied by Pakistan. The total area also includes 42,685 sq kms which has been occupied by China. It should also be mentioned that out of the total area occupied by Pakistan, 5130 sq kms has been handed over to China. The areas occupied by Pakistan comprise of the so-called "Azad Kashmir" (referred to as POK for Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) and the Northern Areas of Gilgit, Baltistan and Hunza, etc. Pakistan does not trust the administration of POK to handle the Northern Areas which Islamabad considers strategically vital. The Northern Areas which have been incorporated into Pakistan are five times the size of the area designated as ‘Azad Kashmir’.

PRE and Post Independent History

In 1820 Maharaj Gulab Singh got the Jagir of Jammu from Maharaj Ranjit Sigh. Jammu & Kashmir became a single geographical and political entity due to an agreement signed on March 16, 1846 between the British Government and Gulab Singh. This Treaty handed over the control of Kashmir state to the Dogra ruler of Jammu who had earlier annexed Ladakh. This laid the foundation of Dogra dynasty. Thus a new state comprising of three distinct regions came to being with Maharaja Gulab Singh as its founder ruler.Hari Singh was the last ruler of Kashmir. After India got its freedom in 1947, the land was divided into two parts – India and Pakistan. Most of the princely states of India were united to form the Indian Union. Kashmir was an independent state ruled by Raja Hari Singh. He decided to join India due to great similarity in culture and other social aspects. The “instrument of accession” was signed between Lord Mountbatten and Raja Hari Singh in terms of defense, external affairs and rehabilitation of refugees.

Muslim EraIn mid 12th century Muslims invaded Kashmir. During Muslim rule Kashmir had a composite culture which was laid by Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. Unlike Mughal Emperor Akbar, Muslim rulers like Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin were tolerant to other religions in their territory of Jammu. However, rulers like Sultan Sikandar Butshikan of Kashmir (AD 1389-1413) were ruthless towards people coming from different communities in their territory. He destroyed temples and images of Hindu deities. Brahmins were compelled to accept Islam. Many of the Brahmins, rather than abandoning their religion and country, poisoned themselves and some left their native homes.

continue with history part......

Early History According the great epic of Mahabharata, the Kambojas had ruled Kashmir since its formation. It had a republican system of government under Kamboj. Later Panchalas established their sway. Peer Panjal, a modern part of Kashmir is a witness to this fact. Panjal is simply a distorted form of the Sanskritic tribal term Panchala. The Muslims had prefixed the word “peer” to it in memory of one Siddha Faqir and the name changed into Peer Panjal. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka is believed to have established the city of Srinagar. Kashmir was also a great seat of learning for Buddhism. Buddhist monks from East and Central Asia visited this land in the 4th century AD. It is also said that the Buddhist monk Kumarajiva, born to an Indian noble family, studied Dirghagama and Madhyagama in Kashmir under Bandhudatta. He later became a prolific translator who helped spread Buddhism in China. Hence Kashmir was dominated by Buddhists during this period.

About the "History" of the regions

The glorious history of Jammu & Kashmir tells us about Kashyapa who had drained a lake to produce this heaven on Earth. Hence this land was also referred to as Kashyapamar. The region has been a major caravan route since the ancient times providing China and other countries of the world to have trade relationships with central Asia. The various religious and cultural groups which have settled in the mountain regions of Jammu & Kashmir have made it the cultural heart of the country.The history of the state speaks of the empires of valiant kings, the placid lakes, the greenery of the forests and the amazing rivers. In the 9th century Raja Jamboolochan founded Jammu. In 1832, Jammu was merged with Kashmir by Gulab Singh. Dogras, Pahadis, Gujjars and Gaddis are some of the tribes found in this state.

""Musics and Dance of Jammu, kashmir and Ladakh regions.....""

Talking about the music and dance of the three regions. Jammu region is popular with its dogri dance “surma” which is performed by the ladies in context of storytelling about a newly married bride whose groom is gone to a war. In Dogri Pahari areas of Jammu valley “Geetru” is also performed at the time of festivals specially by the rural area people on weddings. Where “Rabab” is popular folk music of Kashmir. Santoor” is the famous instrument made up of hundred of strings which are beaten by sticks. The famous song is composed on story of Kashmir princess “Habab Khatun” who got separated fron his beloved husband “Yousif” king. “Bakhan” songs are also popular composed in the form of poems. The beats of the instruments used are incredible. “Rouff” is a form of dance performed by the women of Kashmir on Ramzaan and Ids. On the other hand Ladakh region has its own music and dance which is followed from Tibet and make its separate image. “Gompa “ music is used in worship. The consummate form of ladakhi music is called “iha-ranga”(composed of 360 tunes) or the music of God. There is a separate music for ploughing and harvest festivals.The folk –verses of Ladakh are essential part of ladakhi music and every village has been in song by its bards.

"The Region Ladakh"

LADAKH:
The people could be differentiated by their unique appearance. The language speak by people here is “Ladakhi”. Ladakh is dominated by Tibetan culture or we can say that it has adapted Tibetan culture.People follow here Buddhism. The customs include Gonchas of velvet, elaborately embroidered waistcoats and boots, and gonads or hats.
Here cuisine relies largely on noodles and meat-filled dumplings or mok-mok made by cooking of rice with meat and spices.
The culture of Ladakh enriches the tradition with art,songs,painting,oral and written literature.
Festivals here enjoyed are of Buddhist culture. The highlights of the festivals are Exhibitions, feasts, handicrafts and unique rituals. The important festival includes The Hemis festival, Losar festival and Ladakh Harvest Festival.

"The Region Kashmir "

KASHMIR:
Kashmir’s people are popular as “Kashmiri “. We found a large population from Muslim communities. And Kashmir is best known for its art and craft. The popular art and crafts are Embroidery,carpet, rugs,shawals,papier mache, wood carving,brass and silver ware, silk textiles,tweed.

The language they speak is “kashmiri” and script “Urdu” in written. I found a very special dish I don’t know about you people but I liked it very much and that is “kashmiri kardam” a kinda spinach. People are very much fond of red meat and chicke.One more thing which I found popular with kashmiri people and comes under cuisine that is “kawa” made up of green tea spices and almond.
The women wear “burkha” specially of Muslim community, “ferran” and “salwar-kameez”. Men used to wear “kurta-pajama” with kashmiri caps.
The whole valley is mostly visited by pilgrims because of most religious place “Shri Amarnath Cave” and obviously cause of its beautiful “Dal-lake” and famous Gardens.

"The Region Jammu"

JAMMU: KASHMIR: LADAKH

JAMMU: The people from Jammu region are popular as “DOGRAS”. These people speak Dogri and have given the language a great importance. Dogri language is the mixture of Sanskrit, Punjabi and Persian.
The people have their own traditions and customs. Here people celebrate Lohri, Baisakhi, Dipawali, holi, Rakhi, Basant and Navrataras as their important festivals. The Bazaars are lighten up with bright colored lights to show their happiness and zeal. The people are quite religious. As Jammu is known as “city of temples” and hence, people believes in superstitions too.
The people have a unique dressing sense accordingly Dogra culture. They used to wear dogri suits people know art and craft very well .Their work could be observed on beautiful dresses, ornaments and paintings.
But now as westernization touched this region too. Jammu is also affected. Traditional dresses are found to be wore by rural area people same as traditional songs are also sing by them specially on marriages.

"Culture Differs From.........."

Hello!!! Friends…
We all know that culture differs from country to country, place to place, state to state and region to region. India is blessed with its rich culture and traditions. All the unique culture from different states adds to India’s beauty and makes It’s culture more respectable and a hallmark among all other cultures prevalent in different countries…
As I’m from the state Jammu & Kashmir first of all I would like to present and comment on mah own culture of the state…

JAMMU & KASHMIR
The state J&K is divided into three regions Jammu, Kashmir and ladakh. Culture of J&K become popular from these three regions. Although the dance, music, lifestyle, religion and festivals are different from one region to another but highlighting as a whole the J&K’s culture together. We could able to distinct the people from different region in a particular state by their language and lifestyle (the way they dress up and speak).