People and Lifestyle in J&K - Something Different About
Them
Distinct from the rest of the country, Jammu and
Kashmir sports a multifaceted, multicolored and unique cultural blend.
Not only the geographical conditions of the state are different but it
can also be set apart demographically with varied ethical and social
entities, diversity of religions flourishing in the area, different
language and cultural forms and heritage albeit with an over-reigning
harmony that blends in with the serenity and beauty of the region. One
gets dazed by the sheer diversity and richness of art and architecture,
fairs and festivals, rites and rituals, seers and sagas, languages and
mountains that thrive amongst the unparalleled cultural cohesion, which
is exemplary.
Jammu and Kashmir is one of those states that has become famous for its many
sided culture. The three regions namely Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have
different people with their diverse culture and traditions.
Jammu is dominated by Hindu population, Kashmir has major Muslim population and
in Ladakh, most people follow Buddhism.
But one thing that is common to people
all regions is the love, affection, and tolerance they have for each other.
Even tourists are considered as a part of the family. If you ask a locale about
a place to stay, you will probably end up enjoying your vacation in his home,
and if you like something worn by a locale and ask him where he bought it from,
he will probably offer the same thing to you. That is how simple people of
Jammu and Kashmir are, far away from artificial feelings, and deception of life.
The lifestyle of people is totally different from that of adjoining states. The
food they eat, the dresses they wear, the language they speak is all different
and unique. Though Ladakh region shows a strong resemblance to Tibet in all
things.
Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit and Persian as
Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated and flourished here. It also
embraced the advent of Islam along with the virtues of Persian
civilization such as tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice. Nature's
grand finale of beauty, Kashmir is the masterpiece of earth's creation
and the folk performances of Kashmir are intimately mingled with the
moods and movements of the seasons.
Religion
There are three main religions that are followed in Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir has majority of Islam, Jammu has major strength of Hindus and most of
the population in Ladakh follows Buddhism. There is also a group of people who
are called Dogras. There major population lives in Jammu region and follows
Hinduism but few of them also follow Islam.
Language
Urdu is the official language of Jammu and Kashmir state. Though it is
spoken through out the state but it is most widely used in Kashmir. The other
languages spoken here are Kashmiri, Ladakhi, and Dogri language. Dogri is the
language of Dogra people, in 2003, the language was accepted as a national
language of India.
Customs and Festivals
Jammu and Kashmir is a state of different religions and beliefs. And accordingly,
the customs followed and festivals celebrated are many. But the heartening
thing about the all festivals here are that they are celebrated by people of
all faiths together with same enthusiasm. Main festivals includes -
Eid-ul-Fitr, Baisakhi, Lohri and Hemis Festival.
Dressing
The moment you enter the state of Jammu and Kashmir, you will notice that
the clothing here is totally different. Most people here wear traditional
clothes, though you will see working executives and youngsters in western clothes
as well. Traditional clothes for men include Kurta Pyjama in summers, but in
winters, woolen clothes come out. A kind of an overcoat called Pheran is worn
over Kurta. It is quite loose but inside Pheran, a warm pot called kangri is
kept, such is the severity of winters here. For women, ladies suit and Burqha
(veil) is the most common attire in summers and in winters Phreran are used.
What lights your soul in Jammu and Kahsmir more than then anything is the
beautiful people of the state. They teach you a new way of living a happy life
under all circumstances and giving others a lesson.
