Jammu and Kashmir has the distinction of having multifaceted,
variegated and unique cultural blend, making it distinct from the
rest of the country, not only from the different cultural forms
and heritage, but from geographical, demographically, ethical,
social entities, forming a distinct spectrum of diversity and
diversions into Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, all professing diverse
religion, language and culture, but continuously intermingling,
making it vibrant specimens of Indian Unity amidst diversity. Its
different cultural forms like art and architecture, fair and
festivals, rites and rituals, seer and sagas, language and
mountains, embedded in ageless period of history, speak volumes of
unity and diversity with unparalleled cultural cohesion and
cultural service.
While the Kashmir has been the highest learning centre of Sanskrit
and Persian where early Indo-Aryanic civilization has originated
and flourished, it has also been embracing point of advent of Islam
bringing its fold finest traditions of Persian civilization,
tolerance, brotherhood and sacrifice.
Some of the popular performing traditions of Srinagar are as
follows :-
a) Bhand Pather
It is a traditional folk theatre style combination of play and
dance in a satirical style where social traditions , evils are
depicted and performed in various social and cultural functions.
Bhand Jashan is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their
traditional style accompanied by light music for the entertainment
of people.
b) Chakri
It is most popular form of Kashmiri folk music. It has some
resemblance with chakra of mountainous regions of Uttar Pradesh.
Normally Garaha, Sarangi, Rabab were the musical instruments used
in the past. But now thw harmonium too has made its way in its
presentation.
c) Sufiana Music
Sofians musiqui came to Kashmir from Iran in the 15th century.
Over the years it has established itself as the classical music
form of Kashmir and has incorporated a number of Indian Ragas in
its body. Hafiz Nagma in fact, used to be part of sofiana music.
The instruments used in this form are Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz,
Wasool or Tabala. In Hafiz Nagma a dancer is a female while her
accompanists on various instruments are males. Hafiza moves her
feet on musical notes.
There are only a few families in Kashmir who are practising this
musical form in Kashmir. Whereas the tallest ustad Ghulam Mohd.
Qaleenbaft is unable to move out because of health problems, Ustad
Ghulam Mohd. Saznawaz and Ustad Abdul Ghani Namathali are
imparting training to their family members and are the practising
artists. |