MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The cultural festivities in Azad Kashmir are one of the most important elements of its historic legacy and traditions. Azad Kashmir is one of the beautiful Himalayan regions that boasts cultural richness and diversity where different cultural festivities are celebrated with all zest.
The region preserves a colorful fabric of festivals, traditions, and celebrations reflecting the legacy of its people. From the grand Eid celebrations to the Urs of the Sufi saints, these cultural festivities testify to the sacredness of tradition and value present in this region.
Eid Festivals-A Time of Joy
One of the most important cultural festivities in Azad Kashmir is the Eid festival a time of great joy and celebration in Azad Kashmir. The whole world celebrates, and colors, sounds, and smells fill the earth.
Eid-al-Fitr is especially significant in Azad Kashmir, as it indicates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The people congregate in mosques and homes to pray, share gifts, and partake in traditional foods like Gushtaba and Rista.
Children wait patiently to receive money from elders often called ‘Eidi’ meaning the gift of Eid. Women wear colorful clothes and visit each other houses to greet and celebrate eid with their loved oness.
Eid-al-Azha is the second big festival in the area, where people congregate to acknowledge the sacrifice made by the Prophet Ibrahim. People congregate in their homes to sacrifice animals, disperse meat among the needy, and make a celebration.
Urs of Sufi Saints-A Celebration of Spiritual Heritage
The unique place of the Sufi tradition of Azad Kashmir holds the Urs of Sufi saints as one of the most significant parts of the cultural festive calendar and is considered one of the most celebrated cultural festivities in Azad Kashmir.
The word, Urs, means “marriage” in Arabic, referring to the spiritual nuptials of a Sufi saint with God. It is a matter of coming together for spirits, singing, dancing, and praying.
The Urs of famous Sufi saints like Shah Hamdan and Moinuddin Chishti are extraordinarily significant in Azad Kashmir and bring along thousands of devotees from all corners of the region.
Folk Festivals: Music and Dance in Redundant Outrage
In addition, Azad Kashmir presents a suitable ambiance for the celebration of folk festivals, revealing the land/culture of performers with traditional/folk music moves, and handicrafts.
It takes place in Kashmiri folk festivals every August or September in summer. It features the locals of the area: folk singers, dancers, and artists. In this regard, the festival acts as a unifier of the society of the region to celebrate cultural diversity.
Traditional Food and Drink/Tastes of Azad Kashmir Cultural Heritage
Cultural festivities in Azad Kashmir are further marked by a variety of traditional foods and drinks, part of the much-anticipated culture of the area. Well-known dishes with Gushtaba, Rista, and Dum Aloo are prepared with local products and spices, and traditional tea; the green tea leaves with the addition of cardamom and cinnamon occupy a significant position.
It is served on occasions of social gatherings for people to come together to rejoice in the cultural heritage of the region.
Conclusion
In these, we can conclude that, for all their glory, these cultural festivals of Azad Kashmir are another part of the region regarding its customs and traditions.
The colorful Eid festivities, solace in this from mushrooms too much to witness Urs of Sufi saints, an attestation marks deep-rooted values and customs of the people dwelling here. Such as indigenous food, drink, and handicrafts; these together also symbolize what is referred to as cultural heritage, for they are the integral part and reflection of the culture unique to this region.
While we enjoy/exhibit the cultural festivities of Azad Kashmir, she still reminds us of the essence of sustainability and the promotion of cultural heritage together with proper recognition
