Winter, in Kashmir, is more than a season; it’s an experience, a moment frozen in time where the world is painted in shades of white and silver. The biting cold has a way of making one pause, reflect, and embrace the stillness that envelops the world. It’s a time when nature seems to exhale deeply, and every snowflake that falls carries with it a story. As I sit in my hostel room at the University of Kashmir, where I am pursuing my Master’s degree in Political Science, my mind is drawn back to the winter of 2019. That year, I embarked on a journey that forever changed my relationship with this season. It was during my undergraduate days that I met one of my most cherished teachers, Dr. Tajamul, a Professor of Kashmiri whose wisdom and warmth have left a profound impact on me. That winter, I decided to visit him at his home in Kupwara, a district often referred to as the “Crown of Kashmir.” Kupwara, known for its untouched beauty, becomes a spectacle during winter. Snow blankets the valley, and the towering pines, adorned with frost, create an ethereal landscape. My journey began early in the morning, as I traveled through snow-covered roads that wound through Handwara and Lolab Valley. The scenery was mesmerizing, with pristine white surroundings reflecting the soft winter sunlight. Finally, I reached Cherkoot, the village where Dr. Tajamul resides. His home, nestled among snow-covered orchards, felt like a warm sanctuary against the chill of winter. As I entered, the inviting glow of the bukhari and the aroma of freshly brewed kehwa welcomed me. The warmth of the fire quickly replaced the cold that had seeped into my bones during the journey. Dr. Tajamul greeted me with his characteristic kindness, and we soon found ourselves engrossed in conversation. The evenings at his home were nothing short of magical. We sat by the bukhari, sipping kehwa, as he shared stories and verses from the mystics of Kashmir, including Sheikh-ul-Alam and LalDed. “Ann poshi teli yeli wann poshi” (“Food will thrive only until forests survive.”) These words of Sheikh-ul-Alam, recited by Dr. Tajamul, resonated deeply. He explained how they underscore the delicate balance between humanity and nature. As a student of Political Science, I was fascinated by how this wisdom holds relevance even today, emphasizing environmental sustainability and our dependence on the natural world. He also shared verses by LalDed, the mystic poetess whose words continue to inspire generations: “Tem chemol, tsechekhandar,” “Yeti kartsaandthhyundchuyandar.” (“Seek the essence within yourself, for it is there that you’ll find the spark of the divine.”) These words were a profound reminder of the importance of introspection and the pursuit of inner peace, even amidst the chaos of life. The following day, we explored the enchanting landscapes of Kupwara. The snow-covered expanse of Bangus Valley seemed like a scene out of a dream, with its white blanket broken only by the dark green of pine trees.
“Kupwara, with its breathtaking beauty and rich heritage, continues to be a place where my heart finds peace. As I prepare for another journey to this enchanting land, I carry with me the hope of creating new memories and revisiting old ones. Winter, much like life itself, invites us to pause, reflect, and embrace its quiet symphony. And for me, there is no better place to experience this than the magical, snow-clad valleys of Kupwara.”
Each step through the valley felt like a journey into the heart of nature’s beauty.
We also visited the Shaloora Shrine, a place imbued with spiritual energy. The serenity of the shrine, combined with the stillness of winter, created a sense of peace that is hard to put into words. As we walked through the village, Dr. Tajamul shared anecdotes about the cultural traditions of Kupwara. He spoke passionately about the folk music, poetry, and crafts that have been passed down through generations. The evenings were reserved for deep discussions about the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. By the fire, we talked about Kupwara’s traditions, its people, and their resilience in the face of challenges. The conversations were not just enriching but also comforting, as they revealed the depth of connection between the land and its inhabitants. Now, as I look out of my hostel window, watching the snowflakes fall softly to the ground, my heart yearns to return to Kupwara. This winter, I hope to revisit its serene valleys and reconnect with its timeless traditions. For me, Kupwara is not just a destination but a feeling—a reflection of the symphony of life, where the beauty of nature and the warmth of its people come together in perfect harmony. This time, I hope to revisit Lolab Valley and explore its untold stories. Perhaps I will meet more of its artisans, listen to their tales, and witness how they bring the essence of Kashmir alive through their work. Winter, I have come to realize, is not just a season of stillness and cold—it is a season of rediscovery, where one finds warmth in the wisdom of the past and inspiration in the beauty of the present. Kupwara, with its breathtaking beauty and rich heritage, continues to be a place where my heart finds peace. As I prepare for another journey to this enchanting land, I carry with me the hope of creating new memories and revisiting old ones. Winter, much like life itself, invites us to pause, reflect, and embrace its quiet symphony. And for me, there is no better place to experience this than the magical, snow-clad valleys of Kupwara.
(The author is a student at P G Department Of Political Science at Kashmir University. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Aamir Afzal Dar
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