Kashmiriyat is root of Kashmir
Kashmiriyat is the centuries old indigenous traditions of communal harmony and religious syncretism in the Kashmir valley. Emerging around the 16th century, it is characterised by religious and cultural harmony, patriotism and cultural pride for their mountainous homeland of Kashmir. Kashmiriyat exemplifies the joint Hindu-Muslim culture, festivals, language, cuisine and clothing in the valley. In the spirit of Kashmiriyat festivals of Hinduism and Islam are celebrated by adherents of both faiths.
Kashmiriyat is believed to be an expression of solidarity, resilience and patriotism regardless of religious differences.
Kashmiriyat shown in various celebrations in Kashmir : –
1. Every year on 16 July, the Jwalamukhi Fair is held in the city of Khrew, which hosts the Jwala Ji Mandir, and is attended by Kashmiri Hindus and Kashmiri Muslims.
2. Eid celebration, is common for Hindus to wish their Muslim neighbours, a practice that Pran Koul states exemplified the “culture of Kashmiriyat in full”.
3. Kashmiri Muslim carpet weavers have designed carpets that feature the Hindu deities Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
4. The annual Sufi festival of urs celebrated by together Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs.