The culture of Kashmiri is a diverse blend and it is highly influenced by northern South Asian as well as Central Asian culture. The valley of Kashmir is very rich as far as different aspects of its culture are concerned. Along with its scenic beauty, Kashmir is famous for its cultural heritage.
Beauty in the ears of beholder
Kashmiri girls wear a pair of gold pendants hanging on a gold chain through the holes in the ear lobes. It holds the similar significance in kashimiri pundits as a mangalsutra does among Hindus. Torn ear lobes must be very common there, keeping the Ear surgeons busy I imagine.
The long chain in the ear dangling is a symbol of being married, I was told by one of my kashimiri patient. But they don\’t keep these golden chains dangling, as they attract thieves.
“O wild mynah, hear the song of my heart”-Kashmiri Poem
I’m like a parrot enmeshed in your love,
O wild mynah, hear the song of my heart !
The god of love, in his crimson robes,
Came to the garden in the shades of dusk,
And fragrance floated from flower beds.
Her curls float down like webs,
Or like a hyacinth bed that entraps a rose,
Or like the king of snakes. And O. how many have fallen !
Won’t I offer my eyes to my beloved’s feet !
O, those wine cups filled to the brim !
And those brimful drunken eyes !
Your furtive glance laid me low.
When with brows knit, you shot your arrows,
O queen huntress, I fell !
Your delicate hands are bouquets of flowers,
Your words so soft and sweet ! –
What better balm could the ailing find ?
 Seen from afar, you fill one with yearning;
But when you are near, you veil your face !
Why be coy, my love ? Why these barriers ?
O let me gaze at your living form,
And taste the honey of your words.
I’ve been languishing for ages !
(selected from Mahjoor’s Kashmiri Poems)
