Jammu and Kashmir is proud of its diverse culture, which includes local handicrafts, a range of delectable regional foods, rich rituals, celebrations, and Kashmir’s unique music and dance. The peculiar musical instruments, dancing routines, and singing techniques that distinguish J&K’s folk music from those of any other Indian state are essential to every festival and special occasion in Kashmir. Here’s a look into Jammu and Kashmir’s folk music, along with some quick facts about its origins, subgenres, and customs.

The folk music of Jammu and Kashmir can be broadly categorised as belonging to the Kashmir Valley and Jammu. While the music of the Kashmir Valley is akin to that of Central Asia, that of the Jammu region is comparable to that of North India. Almost every important event, including marriages, births of children, and regional festivals, features folk music. Every happy occasion is celebrated by Kashmiris with song and dancing, which honours the area’s lengthy heritage. Singing, playing music, and dancing are some of the best performing arts that can be seen all over Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the predominance of these religions throughout J&K’s history, the music and dance traditions in Kashmir are about a thousand years old and are a wonderful fusion of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist cultures.

Performers from Laddi Shah could be categorised as belonging to Kashmir’s Baand Theatre. A Laddi Shah performer would move from home to house or door to door singing and playing with the customary rings carried in the iron rod. People would gladly give Laddi Shah artist rice or paddy, which would be gathered in a customary sack slung around his shoulders. The most well-liked form of entertainment in rural Kashmir eventually made its way to urban regions.

Traditional Kashmiri folk theatre is known as Baand Pather. Baand Pather is a type of dance in which the artists dress like their characters to uplift the audience. It is only performed by guys, and the fact is that men also play the female roles adds to the hilarity.

Performances are typically compensated on a voluntary basis. Frequently, while others continue to perform, one performer goes around the audience collecting money on a pay-what-you-can basis. In Baand Pather, short stories are illustrated, and the performers create a joyful atmosphere. This type of dance is also performed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

One of the most well-liked forms of Kashmiri traditional music is chakir. It is a song in the traditional sense, performed on instruments like the harmonium, rubab, sarangi, and nott.

All Kashmiri weddings feature the singing of these songs. These are essential. Wanwun is essential to a wedding. The chorus is performed by two groups of women, one after the other. Wanwun includes blessings for the future, salutations to the family, and praises for the bride and groom.

These are happy songs sung by Kashmiri farmers. The farmers congregate in groups and begin the daily programme by singing nend baith at the time of nend (removing weeds from freshly grown plantlets). They become more enthusiastic as a result, which makes difficult days easier.

Sufiana Kalam is the main form of classical music in Kashmir. Santoor, Sitar, Tabla, Wasool, and Kashmiri Saz are all used in this music. It is thought to raise the soul above earthly concerns and into a mystical realm. Sufiana Kalam contains laudations for God and elevating claims about Him.

The most important musical instrument in the state is the santoor. It is a musical instrument with a hundred strings that produces melodic tones. This state is the home of well-known santoor players like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Bhajan Sopori. Rabab, Dukra, Sitar, and Nagara are additional instruments that are frequently used in this location. The musical instruments used in the Ladakh region are the surna and daman.

Along with having a diverse population, Jammu and Kashmir also has a diverse range of artistic expressions. Its handicrafts feature lovely motifs and intricate handiwork that are inspired by the state’s natural and cultural beauty.

These hand works flourished in this state through ages. Some of the arts were brought here by the foreign invaders from different parts of world. With passing of times, these arts developed and today, they are synonymous with culture of Jammu and Kashmir. Main handicrafts of Kashmir are:

Completely by hand, Kashmiri carpets are woven and knotted. They have a cotton foundation and are weaved with silk and wool threads. This art originally originated in Persia and was brought to Kashmir, where it is still evident in the design.

These are floor rugs made of wool and cotton. They are exquisitely decorated with chain stitch embroidered floral patterns.

The Jammu and Kashmiri woollen, Shahtoosh, and Pashmina shawls are renowned for their ethnic beauty around the world. In addition to their fabric, these shawls’ values change based on the embroidered work done on top of them. They are embellished with exquisite needlework featuring paisley and abstract patterns. Shahtoosh shawls are cherished for their rarity, while Pashmina shawls are seduced by their soft texture.

This well-known handmade craft is from Jammu & Kashmir. Chain stitch embroidery creates stunning wall hangings, curtains, pillow covers, mats, and carpets. Basically, it is made with multicoloured threads over a white cotton fabric that has already shrunk.

This is an extremely complex and well-liked kind of art in Jammu and Kashmir. They stand out because of the vivid, rich colours that were used to paint over the paper mache objects. They are designed primarily in gold, and varnish is used to prepare their glossy surfaces.