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Kheer Bhawani Mela: 35 Yrs in Exile, Countless Yrs of Faith

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Kheer Bhawani Mela: 35 Yrs in Exile, Countless Yrs of Faith
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

And as long as even one devotee whispers a prayer under its Chinar canopy, the soul of the Kheer Bhawani Mela remains alive!

As the Wheel of Time turns to June 3, 2025, it marks a solemn milestone—35 years since the Kheer Bhawani Mela was first observed in exile by the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community! What was once a vibrant annual pilgrimage to the sacred Ragnya Devi temple in Tulmulla, Kashmir, has, over the past three and a half decades, become a symbol of faith, loss and cultural endurance.

The Silence of 1990

The year 1990 tore a hole in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Kashmir. The mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, driven by a rising tide of militancy, meant that the ancient Chinar-lined courtyard of the Kheer Bhawani Temple stood in haunting silence on June 1 that year. It was for the first time that the Mela, once filled with hymns, prayers and the laughter of children, was observed not in Kashmir but in exile!

Shrines across the Valley echoed only with memories. The Tulmulla Temple complex, once alive with life and devotion, became a quiet sentinel of absence. And yet, despite the trauma and rupture, the community carried the Mela in their hearts. Replicas of the Kheer Bhawani shrine sprang up in exile—from Jammu’s Bhawani Nagar in Janipur to distant corners of India—becoming new spiritual homes for a displaced people.

Years of Fear and Fragmentation

From 1990 to 1996, the idea of returning to the shrine seemed unthinkable. The threat of violence loomed large, and for many, even personal visits to Kashmir were fraught with danger. The Mela, when held, was mostly symbolic—small, hushed prayers under guarded circumstances.

 

Yet amid this atmosphere of hostility, glimmers of humanity remained. Local Muslims of Tulmulla, defying the dominant narrative of the time, quietly protected the temple complex, even as the Valley burned. Their gesture, subtle but profound, stood in contrast to the sweeping violence of the early militancy years.

A Fragile Revival

By the late 1990s, as the Valley witnessed tentative political engagement, small groups of Pandits began returning to Tulmulla under heavy security cover. For those who came—often employees of the Central Government or Darbar Move personnel—the pilgrimage became an act of quiet resistance: reclaiming memory, identity and sacred space.

The 1998 Wandhama massacre cast a long shadow, reinforcing fear. But still, year by year, the spirit refused to be extinguished.

The 2000s: Faith Finds a Footing

Between 2004 and 2010, the festival saw a slow but steady resurgence. Chief Ministers like Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad initiated efforts to restore infrastructure around the shrine, building accommodations and security perimeters. Despite sporadic militant threats, the Mela began to draw hundreds of devotees. The temple no longer stood in isolation—it was gradually enveloped once again by the voices and footsteps of those who remembered.

The festival, once purely spiritual, took on new meanings. It became a cultural and political assertion— The Mela, over the years, began to feature prominently in State politics, with politicians across party lines visiting the site during the festival.

A Political Gimmick!

Between Protest and Prayer

The fragile peace did not last. The Valley erupted in mass protests in 2010 and again in 2016. In both years, the Mela was conducted under an overwhelming presence of security forces. Participation declined. Fear lingered. But the thread was never cut.

Even during these tense years, some Kashmiri Pandit employees—stationed in Kashmir under government packages—continued their solitary visits to the shrine. Their presence, often unnoticed and unreported, helped maintain a sense of spiritual continuity amid political turbulence.

A Festival Amid a Changing Kashmir

In 2019, just weeks before the abrogation of Article 370, the Mela was held in a tense and uncertain atmosphere. The revocation fundamentally altered the political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to months of lockdown and silence.

The subsequent years were no kinder. The COVID-19 pandemic (2020–21) halted public gatherings, while a spike in targeted killings of minorities and migrant workers in 2022 and 2023 reignited deep fears. Community organizations issued advisories, and attendance again dwindled. But the shrine never stood alone. The faithful continued to come—some in groups, others alone, all in defiance of despair.

2025: A Thin Crowd, A Thick Legacy

This year, the shadow of violence returned. The killing of innocent tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 sent ripples of fear through the community. Many Pandits, torn between devotion and safety, chose not to attend. The complex once again saw thin crowds—echoes of 1990.

But absence does not mean forgetting.

A Living Symbol of Cultural Survival

The Kheer Bhawani Mela is no longer just a religious gathering. It is a living, breathing chronicle of a community’s exile—a testament to survival against erasure. In these 35 years, it has evolved from a festival into a mirror reflecting the highs and lows of a displaced people’s journey. Kheer Bhawani Shrine is a sanctum where generations of Kashmiri Pandits, through centuries, have come to seek blessings, find solace and renew their spiritual bond with Ragnya Bhagwati. Held under the majestic Chinars and fed by a sacred spring that changes colour, the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela has been the spiritual high point of Kashmiri Hindu tradition for centuries.

 It is a space where memory resists forgetting, where faith defies fear and where return is not merely physical but spiritual. For many, even a single visit to the shrine is an act of pilgrimage, penance and protest.

The temple at Tulmulla stands—sometimes crowded, often solitary—but always sacred.

And as long as even one devotee whispers a prayer under its Chinar canopy, the soul of the Kheer Bhawani Mela remains alive.

For over 35 years—and for centuries before that—faith in Ragnya Devi has endured. Through violence, through silence, and through every whispered prayer under foreign skies.

Because faith, unlike exile, is not temporary.

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Pakistan’s Ceaseless Provocations: Keeping the LoC Alive

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Pakistan’s Ceaseless Provocations: Keeping the LoC Alive
(Kashmir Rechords Report)

The recent escalation, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC) following Operation Sindoor—launched in retaliation to the brutal killing of 26 innocent  Tourists  by Pakistan-trained terrorists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has once again brought into sharp focus a reality long known to the residents of border areas: The LoC is never truly quiet.

While national attention tends to spike during major incidents, for the civilians and security personnel along the frontier, such violence is, somehow, a part of daily life. Ceasefire or not, Pakistan has consistently kept the LoC “alive” through calibrated military provocations, infiltration attempts and cross-border shelling.

A Pattern of Violations Since the 1990s

The 1990s marked a turning point in the nature of Indo-Pak tensions along the LoC.  As Pakistan escalated its proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, it adopted a dual strategy—supporting cross-border terrorism while using its regular forces to violate ceasefires and provoke Indian responses.

January 1991—Pak in a habit of keeping LoC Alive!

An archival news report dated January 23, 1991, preserved by Kashmir Rechords, provides evidence of this long-standing pattern. It refers to heavy Pakistani shelling in sensitive areas like Jhanghar, even as early as 1987–1988. Hundreds of bullets, shells and mortars were fired, prompting appropriate retaliation from Indian forces. Jhanghar, surrounded on three sides by Pakistani territory—with Kotli and Mirpur on the other side of the LoC in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK)—has remained a strategically critical and vulnerable target.

This report underscores that as early as the Zia-ul-Haq era, Pakistan was using cross-border firing as a cover for infiltrating militants. The 1987–1997 period saw routine use of this tactic, which would later become a hallmark of Pakistan’s approach to Jammu and Kashmir.

Why Pakistan Keeps the LoC Alive?

Pakistan’s strategy to keep the LoC active and volatile is not accidental. It is rooted in military utility, political necessity and psychological warfare. Several overlapping motives drive this calculated policy:

1. Cover for Infiltration

Frequent firing creates diversions for Indian security forces, allowing trained terrorists to slip across the LoC. It also masks movement along rugged terrain under the guise of military exchanges.

2. Demoralizing Civilians

Mortar and artillery shelling on villages is designed to spread panic, force displacement and create long-term instability. Yet, the people of these regions have continued to show unparalleled resilience in the face of such adversity.

3. Narrative Management and International Messaging

By keeping the region in a state of tension, Pakistan attempts to portray Kashmir as a disputed and unstable zone, hoping to attract international attention and sympathy.

4. Military Supremacy in Domestic Politics

For the Pakistani establishment—especially the army—a “live” LoC helps sustain its dominant political role. Tensions with India serve as a unifying distraction from domestic instability and economic failures.

5. Sabotaging Peace Initiatives

Historically, whenever backchannel diplomacy or bilateral talks gain traction, a sudden spike in ceasefire violations often follows. This indicates the entrenched opposition to peace within Pakistan’s security apparatus.

Circa 1991

Ceasefire in Name, Conflict in Practice

Despite multiple ceasefire agreements, the structural nature of Pakistan’s provocations over the past has remained consistent. Whether it is cross-border shelling, sniper attacks, or coordinated infiltration attempts, Pakistan continues to treat the LoC as an extension of its anti-India strategy.

The recent post-Operation Sindoor violation is not an aberration. It is a continuation of a long, calculated military doctrine that attempts to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir through persistent provocations. Yet, despite the cost and chaos, the people along the LoC stand firm—their courage matching the commitment of the Indian Army to safeguard national security.

Pakistan’s actions, rooted in insecurity and strategic desperation, must be seen for what they are: a refusal to accept peace as an option, and a willingness to use terror and tension as tools of statecraft. The response must be equally firm, clear-eyed and consistent.

Renu Bhatia’s Kashmiri Roots Echo in Campus Controversy

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Renu Bhatia’s Kashmiri Roots Echo in Campus Controversy
(Kashmir Rechords Report)

From fleeing militancy in Srinagar to triggering a national debate on free speech, the Haryana Women’s Commission chief draws strength—and scrutiny—from her past.— That is Kashmir.

Renu Bhatia, the Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, is at the centre of a storm following the arrest of Ashoka University Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad—an action she initiated over his social media remarks related to the recent military operation Operation Sindoor. But behind this flashpoint is considered a deeper, more personal history: one that begins in Kashmir, where Bhatia was born and raised until conflict tore her world apart.

“My house was near Dal Gate in Srinagar,” she recalls. “We were among those families who lost everything in 1947, again in 1948, and finally had to flee in the 1990s.”

Born into a Punjabi-Kashmiri Hindu family, Renu Bhatia was a student at Presentation Convent in Srinagar before her family migrated to Dehradun in 1990 amid the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. The memories of fear, flight and survival have never left her—and some say they now shape her sense of duty and justice.

Earlier this month, Renu  Bhatia filed a formal complaint against Prof. Mahmudabad, accusing him of “derogatory remarks against women officers” in the Indian Army and of “promoting communal disharmony”. The charges, under which he was arrested on May 19,2025, include sections related to public mischief and endangering national unity. The post in question, related to Operation Sindoor—a cross-border military action—has sparked a polarising national debate about free speech, academic freedom and political overreach.

But Renu Bhatia defends her actions staunchly. “I was doing my job. No one will be allowed to insult women, especially those serving the nation,” she said. When asked by mediapersons whether her own history with Kashmir had any influence on her response, Bhatia replied, “Of course Kashmir touches me. It is where I come from. But I acted purely as Chairperson of the Women’s Commission.”

Yet it is precisely that blend of personal memory and political authority that has made her a lightning rod. Critics accuse her of politicising the issue but her supporters argue that she has always been standing up for national honour and women’s dignity—values deeply rooted in her own past.

I am from Those Families who were killed, murderd during 1947–1948…

From Doordarshan to the BJP

Renu Bhatia’s journey from a displaced Kashmiri girl to a key political figure is not without precedent. In 1992, she began her career as a Doordarshan anchor, and in 2000, entered politics as a BJP councillor in Faridabad, eventually becoming Deputy Mayor. She has served as Women’s Commission chair since 2022 and is known for taking bold positions on gender-related cases, including a major harassment probe in Haryana’s Jind district.

“Bhajpa ki Benazir”

Dubbed “Bhajpa ki Benazir” for her 2008 portrayal of Benazir Bhutto in a short film, Bhatia says her political role model is the late Sushma Swaraj, who affectionately gave her the nickname.

Her actions, both praised and pilloried, cannot be separated from her Kashmiri identity, forged in loss and resilience. “If something happens in Kashmir, it touches me,” she says. And for better or worse, that touch now reverberates across the country.

From `Operation Sindoor’ to PoJK: India’s Next Move Unveiled at Launch of ‘The Kashmir Chronicles’

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From `Operation Sindoor’ to PoJK: India’s Next Move Unveiled at Launch of ‘The Kashmir Chronicles’
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh signals bold roadmap for Kashmir, hails book by Dr Vijay K. Sazawal as a landmark in unbiased documentation of Valley’s turbulent journey

In a moment charged with symbolism and strategic clarity, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh dropped a political bombshell while releasing “The Kashmir Chronicles (1986–2023)”, a seminal work by Kashmir-born U.S.-based nuclear policy expert Dr Vijay K. Sazawal. At a packed auditorium at the Constitutional Club of India, New Delhi, Dr Singh declared that retrieving Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) could be the next major step in India’s Kashmir policy following the success of Operation Sindoor.

“From the abrogation of Article 370 to the Pulwama response, from decisive counter-terror strikes to the successful execution of Operation Sindoor — the trajectory is clear,” said Dr. Singh. “In Viksit Bharat 2047, reclaiming PoJK is not a dream but a goal.”

Operation Sindoor: A Turning Point

Crediting `Operation Sindoor’ with shifting India’s security discourse, Dr.Singh emphasized the freedom now granted to the Indian Armed Forces. “Our forces now have the autonomy to act on the ground with professional discretion, not political constraints,” he said. The operation, which neutralized several Pakistan-sponsored terrorist hideouts, is seen as a milestone in India’s counterterrorism strategy.

Dr Singh, who represents Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur in Parliament and has long been regarded as a key figure in shaping policy on the region, called ``Operation Sindoor’’ a “showcase of India’s modern warfare capabilities.”

A Book that Cuts Through the Fog of Bias

Turning to the book, “The Kashmir Chronicles,” Dr. Singh lauded Dr Sazawal’s impartial lens. “Unlike many self-proclaimed ‘Kashmir experts’ who peddle their agenda, this book stands out because it is written by someone who has lived the tragedy and studied it without prejudice.”

He added that the book’s strength lies in its dual perspective — both that of an insider and of an observer who views Kashmir from a distance. “Dr Sazawal, as a Kashmiri Pandit, writes not to appease, but to illuminate — using facts and figures, not fiction and feelings.”

The Forgotten Exodus, Remembered

In an emotional reflection, Dr Singh compared the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Pandits to the Partition of 1947 — but said it was even more harrowing. “During Partition, populations moved due to the creation of a new nation. But the Kashmiri Pandits were made homeless within their own country,” he noted. “They left with no warning, no shelter, no destination.”

Sazawal’s Book: A Chronicle of Chaos and Courage

Dr Sazawal, who spoke extensively at the launch, described his book as a decades-long deep dive into the political, social and strategic unraveling of Kashmir. The volume chronicles Kashmir’s modern history from the rise of militancy post-1986, driven by Pakistan’s jihadi proxies, to the period of policy stagnation during India’s unstable 1990s.

“The 1990s were a lost decade,” he said, subtly referring to the lack of cohesive policy due to political instability at the Centre. “There was no long-term strategy for Kashmir during that time — just short-sighted firefighting.”

The book meticulously explores governance failures, ideological confusion and external manipulation that allowed terrorism to fester. Dr Sazawal also underlined how Western disengagement after the Soviet exit from Afghanistan gave Pakistan a free hand to destabilize Kashmir.

Voices from the Security Frontlines

Brig (Retd.) Brijesh Pandey, a seasoned veteran who served in Kashmir, offered a sobering military perspective. “It was not just about guns and bombs — it was about winning hearts and minds in a radicalized landscape,” he recalled. “Kashmir was a battlefield of perception as much as it was of insurgency.”

A War of Narratives, A Chronicle of Truth

Dr Jitendra Singh sharply criticized the ecosystem of writers and activists who, in his words, “pose as intellectuals while parroting anti-India narratives for global validation.” He asserted, “I would rather be a non-intellectual than a pawn of narrative warfare.”

Looking Ahead: A Message to the World

In closing, Dr Singh signaled that India’s Kashmir story is far from over — and the world must take note. “Operation Sindoor was a message to the enemies of peace. PoJK will be the next chapter. We’re not stopping until justice is served — to our people, our territory and our history.”

The Kashmir Chronicles is not just a book. It is a mirror to the past, a map to the future and a memoir of resilience — written by one who saw the Valley burn, lived its exodus and now, dares to tell the tale.

Information War: Radio Kashmir versus Radio Jhootistan

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Information War: Radio Kashmir versus Radio Jhootistan
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

As tensions between India and Pakistan flare up once again—this time following the tragic killing of 26 innocent tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, and India’s subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor—a familiar battlefield has reopened, not on rugged frontiers or through skirmishes alone, but in the airwaves and digital shadows. The propaganda war has resurfaced, echoing the volatile chapters of 1947, 1965, 1971 and the Kargil conflict of 1999.

In this invisible war of words and perceptions, Pakistan has once again resorted to its time-tested tactic: disinformation. Weaponizing social media, mobilizing troll factories and resurrecting divisive narratives, the Pakistani deep state has shown how little it has evolved. The ghosts of Radio Jhootistan—a nickname earned during earlier wars for its habitual lying—are back. But so is the memory of how India countered that darkness with one of its most underappreciated strategic assets: Radio Kashmir, now rechristened as All India Radio, Srinagar/Jammu.

This media stronghold and its unsung role in defending India’s sovereignty through voice and truth, finds its finest documentation in “Radio Kashmir in Times of Peace and War”, a deeply researched and timely book by seasoned author, Dr. Rajesh Bhat. Released in November 2018 by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister in the PMO, the book reads not only as a chronicle of a radio station’s two wings—Srinagar and Jammu, but as a battlefield journal from the information frontlines.

How Propaganda Became Pakistan’s Old Weapon

The book lays bare Pakistan’s systematic use of underground radio stations—like the infamous Radio Trarkhal—to poison minds across the border and within Kashmir. These stations, funded and directed by Rawalpindi’s infamous propaganda cells, worked day and night to spread anti-India narratives, rouse communal passions and distort reality. They gained traction especially in border districts and conflict-hit zones, where trust in mainstream narratives was often fragile.

But for every lie that crossed the LoC, there stood Radio Kashmir, broadcasting calm amid chaos, facts against fiction. Whether during the tribal raids of 1947, the Indo-Pak wars, or even the holy relic crisis and the upheaval of 1990, Radio Kashmir was not just relaying news—it was building national morale.

The ‘Jawabi Hamla’: India’s Response Through Radio

Dr. Bhat’s book vividly recounts how India responded with what he terms the “Jawabi Hamla”—a strategic counter-narrative operation. Radio Kashmir didn’t mirror Pakistan’s venom but offered credible, timely and empathetic content. Anchored in Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, Gojri and other  languages and dialects, culture, music and poetry, it became a voice the people trusted.

Even during curfews, shutdowns and insurgency, Radio Kashmir didn’t fall silent. It adapted. It resisted. At times, its reporters became frontline soldiers of truth, risking their lives to report stories that needed telling.

The station’s evolution—documented thoroughly in the book—mirrors Kashmir’s political journey. Beginning as a humble transmitter and a makeshift studio in 1947, it transformed into a guardian of the erstwhile State’s identity, dignity and national integration. The Book has rare anecdotes, archival interviews and photographs that bring to life not only the station’s political importance but also its emotional and cultural connect with region’s people.

The chapters on psychological operations (PsyOps), the cultural broadcasts that reached every home and the moral dilemmas of information handling during crises offer invaluable lessons for today’s media strategists.

Why This Book Matters Today

In an age where hybrid warfare and deepfake propaganda have replaced bullets in many battlespaces, the legacy of Radio Kashmir is more relevant than ever. The book offers insights into:

  • Building credible counter-propaganda without resorting to hate.
  • Creating culturally grounded narratives that resonate with local populations.
  • Balancing military messaging with civilian empathy.

With India facing yet another surge of hostility from across the border and social media platforms flooded with misleading content, Radio Kashmir in Times of Peace and War is a timely reminder that truth, when delivered with clarity and conviction, is the most powerful weapon of all.

As New Delhi rethinks its communication doctrine in Kashmir and beyond, perhaps it’s time to revisit the voices that once defended India—not with guns, but with microphones.

To read more about this deeply researched account—with documentary evidence, rare photographs and stories from the heart of Kashmir’s most turbulent decades—get your copy by contacting:
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📧 kashmirrechords@gmail.com

Mock Drills and Real Lessons: A Throwback to Wartime Readiness

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Mock Drills and Real Lessons: A Throwback to Wartime Readiness
(Kashmir Rechords Report)

In the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, India has launched “Operation Sindoor”—a robust counter-offensive aimed at avenging the blood spilled in Kashmir. Alongside this strategic military response, the government has announced nationwide civil defence mock drills to bolster emergency preparedness and educate citizens on how to respond to potential future threats.

But for the seasoned residents of India’s border belts, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, this initiative feels more like a revival than a novelty.

Echoes from the Past

For those who have lived through past conflicts, the sight of Civil Defence volunteers springing into action evokes vivid memories. In times of war or cross-border provocations, these volunteers were often the first line of civilian readiness, guiding people on dos and don’ts during air raids or any hostile incident.

Old-timers fondly recall how newspapers of yesteryear would brim with government-issued advisories—alerts, instructions, and warnings, not just on physical safety but also on psychological warfare waged by enemy broadcasters.

‘Radio Jhootistan’: The Propaganda War That Never Stopped

During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Radio Pakistan earned the infamous nickname “Radio Jhootistan” for its relentless misinformation campaigns. Civil Defence efforts weren’t just about blackout drills and sirens—they were also about building mental resilience against enemy propaganda.

Kashmir Rechords is proud to reproduce two rare and evocative newspaper clippings from December 1971, showing how people were taught to resist false narratives and stay alert amid chaos. One advised citizens on what to do during air raids; the other warned them to dismiss lies spread by Pakistan’s radio propaganda machine.

From Radios to Reels: The New Face of Misinformation

While Civil Defence still adheres to its time-tested Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the landscape of misinformation has drastically evolved. The once-centralized disinformation channels like Radio Pakistan have now been replaced—or rather, amplified—by the unregulated chaos of social media, where malicious actors across and within the border exploit AI tools and modern tech to spread disinformation at scale.

Despite strong interventions by the Government of India, including the identification and blocking of rogue handles and propaganda channels, the flow of misinformation continues to challenge national security and public trust.

The Wolf Still Howls: A Battle of Vigilance

As the saying goes, “a wolf may lose its teeth but not its nature.” Though the medium has changed, the motive remains the same. Radio Jhootistan might now be silent to many ears, but its spirit lives on in deceptive tweets, AI-generated deepfakes, and viral hate content.

Civil Defence, once a relic of wartime drills, is again stepping into the limelight—not just to train people in physical preparedness, but to arm the public with awareness in the age of digital deception.

Aziz Bhai: The Voice That Roared Across Borders

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Aziz Bhai: The Voice That Roared Across Borders
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Remembering Manohar Prothi, Kashmir’s legendary broadcaster who fought propaganda with his voice

At a time when India-Pakistan relations have plunged to a new low—following the brutal massacre of tourists at Pahalgam on April 22—and when social media is flooded with digital warfare led by influencers and content creators, one can’t help but recall a figure from a different era.

A figure who, long before the age of Twitter battles and viral hashtags, fought misinformation not with keystrokes but with a commanding voice that reverberated across mountains and borders.

That man was Manohar Prothi (1935–2017), better known as “Aziz Bhai” of Waadi Ki Awaaz. He wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was Kashmir’s very own “tweeter of yesteryears,” whose voice struck like a thunderclap against every wave of propaganda emanating from across the border.

Manohar Prothi — The Sentinel with a Microphone. (Pic Credits: Rajesh Prothi)

It’s been so many years since he left us, yet his memory refuses to fade. His voice still rings in the ears of those who once tuned in religiously, especially in these turbulent times when psychological warfare has taken newer forms.

“Aziz Bhai”—a name etched into every Kashmiri household on both sides of the divide—was more than a radio host. He was the soul of a region, a trusted companion at 4 PM every day, when his programme for the security forces became a daily ritual in homes, camps, and bunkers alike.

Manohar Prothi — In the company of another legendary broadcaster, Uma Khosa

But beyond the airwaves, Manohar Prothi was an artist, a cultural icon. His portrayal of Yousuf Chak in the legendary play on Habba Khatun, and his performances in theatrical masterpieces like Khazan Ke Phool, Kabhi Nahin and Lala Rukh, cemented his status as a pillar of Kashmir’s artistic heritage.

A master broadcaster, Prothi’s popularity could be measured by the flood of letters Radio Kashmir received—some even adorned with dried flowers sent by listeners from across the border. Generations imitated his style; none could match his range or magnetic modulation.

Starting his broadcasting journey as a child, Prothi’s voice became the soundtrack of Kashmir’s mornings, afternoons, and turbulent nights. Even after migrating to Jammu in 1990, he remained a beloved figure, his voice a familiar comfort on Radio Kashmir Jammu.

For over four decades, he helmed The Forces Programme, a daily staple that bridged soldiers and civilians. Yet, it was his role as “Bhai Jaan” in the Children’s Programme and ultimately as “Aziz Bhai” in Waadi Ki Awaaz that turned him into a legend—a voice heard from Srinagar to Skardu, from Baramulla to Muzaffarabad.

“He Had Admirers Everywhere”

Fayyaz Sheharyar, former Director General of All India Radio, once remarked:

“Aziz Bhai had no enemies, perhaps no friends either, but admirers—he had them everywhere. He was wedded to broadcasting, living by the highest professional ethics, even at the cost of his family’s interests.”

Such was his dedication: unwavering, uncompromising, unforgettable.

No friends, no foes–only with his admirer, Farooq Abdullah

A Voice That Fought a Psychological War

In an era when microphones were mightier than missiles, “Waadi Ki Awaaz” wasn’t just a radio show; it was a psychological weapon. Manohar Prothi’s stirring broadcasts countered hostile narratives, inspiring hope, and bolstering morale not just in Kashmir but deep into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

His son, Rajesh Prothi, fondly recalls his father’s command over Urdu—a language he never formally studied but mastered like a poet. That fluency, combined with his resonant delivery, made every broadcast a blend of artistry and activism.

Today, as India grapples with newer, faster forms of propaganda in the digital age, one wishes for a voice like Manohar Prothi’s—steady, powerful, persuasive.

We need voices—not just loud, but wise; not just heard, but felt. We need the spirit of “Aziz Bhai,” whose every word was a tweet before Twitter, every sentence a counter to misinformation. In today’s language, he went viral every single day. Without WiFi. Without reels. Just pure voice power. He didn’t need trending hashtags to make an impact. He didn’t chase followers—followers came to him.

While mediums have changed, the battle of narratives remains the same. In an era of disinformation, troll farms, and cyber manipulation, we need voices like Manohar Prothi’s—calm, credible, courageous.

From Prankote to Pahalgam: A Chilling Chronicle of Faith-Driven Massacres in J&K!

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From Prankote to Pahalgam: A Chilling Chronicle of Faith-Driven Massacres in J&K!
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

The picturesque valleys of Pahalgam echoed with screams in 2025 April—not from the delight of tourists but from the horror of gunfire. In a chilling ambush, unarmed Hindu tourists were targeted, shot and killed in cold blood. India mourned. Headlines flashed. But for those who have tracked Kashmir’s tortured history, the massacre brought not shock—but déjà vu. Because this was not the first time!

Over the last more than three decades, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a series of calculated, faith-driven massacres. Innocents—teachers, pilgrims, wedding guests, labourers—have been singled out, segregated and slaughtered. Not because of what they did. But because of what they believed.

A Pattern Written in Blood

The modus operandi has barely changed. Whether in 1990s or 2001, whether in the Valley or the hills of Jammu, the message has remained: “Convert, flee, or die.”

Go back to Wandhama, January 25, 1998—23 Kashmiri Pandits, including women and children, were lined up and shot. The gunmen had impersonated soldiers, earning trust before turning their weapons on the faithful. Despite desperate pleas for mercy, not one soul was spared.

Just three months later, on April 17, another carnage unfolded—this time in the quiet village of Prankote in Mahore area. Here, the cruelty was medieval. Hindus were told to convert to Islam or face death. When they refused, 29 villagers, including women and toddlers, were hacked to death with axes and sickles. Their homes were set on fire.

Two months on, June 19, the horror returned—Chapnari village, Doda. Twenty-five Hindu men were separated from Muslims and gunned down near a stream. No warning. No mercy.

These weren’t mere outbreaks of violence—they were communal pogroms designed to alter the demographic soul of the region.

The Gool incident of June 15, 1997 reinforced this pattern. Three Kashmiri Pandit teachers, including the Principal traveling on a local bus, were pulled aside. Muslims were spared. The Pandits were shot dead.

Massacres as Message Boards

These weren’t isolated acts; they were deliberate spectacles. To send a message. To sow fear. To incite communal backlash across India.

Consider August 1, 2000—Amarnath pilgrims were returning from darshan when terrorists struck near Pahalgam. Thirty people, including 18 pilgrims, porters and CRPF personnel, were killed in one of the bloodiest attacks on religious pilgrims. Over 60 were injured. The target? Faith. The intention? To disrupt one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimages.

Or take the Chattisinghpora Massacre, March 2000—when 35 Sikh men were executed on the eve of President Clinton’s visit. Though Sikhs were the victims this time, the purpose was identical: religious minorities were marked for elimination.

And then came Nadimarg, March 24, 2003—when Terrorists   came dressed as security forces. The families were cornered and executed.

In Rajouri, 2002, 35 wedding guests—Hindus—were gunned down in a marriage celebration. Once again, identity was the only crime.

In Doda, the pattern lasted years. On April 30, 1996, 17 Hindus were dragged from their homes in Kishtwar and murdered. On August 20, 2001, 15 more were killed in Shrawan village. These weren’t impulsive attacks. They were systematic efforts to empty Jammu’s hills of its Hindu presence.

Terror has since mutated. While large-scale massacres have reduced, targeted killings have become the new weapon.

In 2021, Deepak Chand, a Hindu teacher, and Supinder Kaur, a Sikh principal, were shot inside a Srinagar school—during working hours.

Hindu labourers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have been picked off in Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian—often while asleep or during work. Even bank managers, hawkers and migrant employees have been assassinated after being identified by their names or IDs.

And Now, Pahalgam—Again !

The April 2025 Pahalgam massacre of Hindu tourists is only the latest entry in this long catalogue of communal killings. It mimics the past with brutal clarity—outsiders, visiting the Valley, targeted only because of their faith.

It’s not the first time Hindus– be those tourists or pilgrims or labourers have been killed. And it may perhaps not be the last if the pattern is not understood for what it is: a campaign of segregation, elimination and fear.

The tragedy is not just the deaths. It’s that Indians often forget. That each new killing is treated as an aberration, not part of a chilling continuum.

This write-up by Kashmir Rechords is not just an account—it’s a reminder—- That massacres have a memory— That terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has often been religiously selective, and that Hindus— aborigines, pilgrims, baratis, teachers, or tourists—have repeatedly borne the brunt.

The list of atrocities mentioned here is definitely incomplete, but the message behind them has always been loud and clear. And it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise.

A Kashmiri Pandit Umpire Behind the Wickets!

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A Kashmiri Pandit Umpire Behind the Wickets!
(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Born in Srinagar’s Habba Kadal and trained in law, Padam Shri Swaroop Kishan Reu quietly etched his name into cricketing history as India’s only Kashmiri Pandit Test umpire—at a time when opportunities were scarce and recognition even scarcer.

In a world where cricket often grabs headlines for its stadium spectacles and star players, few pause to remember the men in white who silently control the game from behind the stumps. Fewer still know that one of them hailed from the lanes of Habba Kadal in Srinagar. His name was Swaroop Kishan Reu—the first and only Kashmiri umpire to officiate in international Test and One-Day cricket for India.

In today’s billion-dollar cricketing world—where IPL, T20s and World Cups fuel frenzy, fireworks and financial muscle—it’s easy to forget the quieter era of the game, when it was still a gentleman’s sport. Swaroop Kishan belonged to that era. He was a man of calm authority, keen observation and impeccable decision-making, officiating at a time when the game was transitioning from decorum to cutthroat competition.

A Kashmiri with a Cricketing Soul

Born in 1930 in Habba Kadal, a heritage-rich locality in the heart of Srinagar, Swaroop Kishan came from a lineage steeped in Kashmiri tradition. Though he trained in law and later joined the Accountant General’s Office, his heart beat for cricket.

According to renowned chronicler Baikunth Nath Sharga, who documented the lives of illustrious Kashmiri Pandits in his book “Kashmiri Panditon ke Anmol Rattan,” Swaroop Kishan had an “irresistible passion” for the game. He played for Delhi University as a batsman and wicketkeeper, combining legal precision with athletic flair.

He married Sunita Reu in 1965, and while he may have followed the secure path of government service, cricket remained his lifelong companion.

Swaroop Kishan & Sunita ( Married in 1965). Pic Courtesy: KP Network(ikashmir.net)

From Law Books to Scorebooks

Swaroop’s big break came in December 1978, when he made his international umpiring debut in a Test match between India and the West Indies in Bangalore—a match that was eventually abandoned due to riots. But he would go on to officiate several Tests and ODIs in the years to come, including high-pressure matches featuring legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and the Amarnath brothers.

In 1979, during a Test in Chennai, a bizarre event etched itself into cricket folklore: a swarm of bees descended on the field, sending players and umpires—Swaroop Kishan included—flat on the ground to avoid being stung. It was an unforgettable moment, one that spoke to the unpredictability of the game and the presence of mind needed to officiate it.

Despite his portly frame, Swaroop Kishan was widely respected for his technical command, fairness and sharp judgment. His presence was reassuring during an era when India was just beginning to assert itself in world cricket—not just through its players, but also through its umpires, infrastructure and growing cricket culture.

Before the mike: Swaroop Kishan discussing India-Pak Series alongwith Dr Narotam Puri and Chetan Chauhan.

Not Just an Umpire, A Voice of the Game

Off the field, Swaroop Kishan found joy in the studios of All India Radio and Doordarshan. While today’s cricket commentators sit in plush digital studios with cutting-edge analytics, Swaroop Kishan  belonged to a generation that brought the game alive with passion and presence. He often shared the mic with stalwarts like Dr. Narottam Puri, Chetan Chauhan and Susheel Jain, helping millions of listeners fall in love with cricket.

A Kashmiri Among Giants

In 1986, President Giani Zail Singh conferred the Padma Shri on Swaroop Kishan in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cricket—a moment of national pride not just for him, but for an entire community that has historically punched above its weight despite its minuscule numbers.

Pic Courtesy: KP Network(ikashmir.net)

While Jammu & Kashmir has since produced talented players who’ve competed in Ranji Trophy, T20s and even the IPL, no other umpire from the region has made it to cricket’s highest stage like Swaroop Kishan did.

Today, cricket may be louder, faster and richer, but it is built on the shoulders of men like Swaroop Kishan Reu—who gave the game its credibility, dignity and direction. His life is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come with applause—it often comes with quiet excellence.

Swroop Kishan stood stood behind the wickets, but he led from the front.

Rita Kaul: The First Light on Kashmir’s TV Screen

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Rita Kaul: The First Light on Kashmir’s TV Screen
(Kashmir Rechords Report)

In the nascent years of Indian television, when the country was still adjusting to the idea of stories unfolding through a flickering screen, a quiet revolution was brewing in the serene valley of Kashmir. It was the winter of 1973 when Srinagar, shrouded in snow and tradition, witnessed a rare spark—a woman stepping into the spotlight, undeterred by societal hesitation. That woman was Rita Kaul, the first female television artist from Srinagar, and a true trailblazer in every sense of the word.

Television in India made its debut on September 15, 1959, with an experimental broadcast from Delhi, under the name ‘Television India’. It was a modest beginning, using the studios of All India Radio. By October 2, 1972, Bombay had its own television channel and just a few months later, on January 26, 1973, Srinagar joined the ranks with its very own channel—an exclusive venture that would later become a part of the national broadcaster Doordarshan in 1975.

Setting up a television station in Srinagar was a strategic and cultural milestone. But it came with its unique set of challenges. Conservative Kashmiri society had very few artists, especially women, willing to step in front of the camera. Stage and screen performances were often viewed with hesitation, if not outright disapproval. Yet, amidst these constraints emerged Rita Kaul, a young woman with both courage and conviction, who dared to dream beyond the expected.

Rita wasn’t just stepping onto a new stage—she was creating one. In February 1973, she starred in a landmark television scene from the play “Dareecha”, written by the esteemed poet and literary figure, Dr. Hamidi Kashmiri. The backdrop wasn’t just a dramatic setting—it was poetry, woven with the intellect of one of the subcontinent’s foremost literary minds. Dr. Hamidi Kashmiri, a modernist and post-modernist voice in Urdu and Kashmiri literature, saw potential in young talents and encouraged them to explore television as a medium of expression. Among those he mentored, Rita Kaul was a standout.

Interestingly, Rita had already made her mark as a graded artist with Radio Kashmir Srinagar, where her voice brought Kashmiri songs to life. Her transition to television was natural, yet bold—she brought the warmth of her voice and the sincerity of her performances to the visual medium, at a time when few dared to do so.

Those associated with media, fondly remember Rita as a gifted artist who played a pivotal role in shaping the early narrative of visual storytelling in Kashmir. Her name may not always appear in the footnotes of history, but for those who remember, she was a trendsetter—a guiding light for countless women who dreamed of pursuing the arts.

Rita Kaul’s story is not just about being the first. It’s about courage, culture and the quiet strength of a woman who dared to perform when the stage was uncertain and the audience unsure. Thanks to her, the screens in Kashmir flickered to life—with poetry, with passion, and with promise.

Pt. Hargopal Kaul—The Original Sher-e-Kashmir !

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Pt. Hargopal Kaul—The Original Sher-e-Kashmir !

A forgotten revolutionary, poet and pioneer of education who challenged kings and colonialism alike

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Long before Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was dubbed the “Sher-e-Kashmir,” the people of Kashmir had already roared their admiration for another lion—Pandit Hargopal Kaul, popularly known by his penname Khasta. A bold reformer, prolific poet, and relentless freedom fighter, Hargopal Kaul was the first to earn this revered title for fearlessly defying the autocratic rule of Maharaja Ranbir Singh.

Rebel in a Lion’s Cage

Khasta’s advocacy for civil rights, press freedom and public upliftment marked him as a dissident in the eyes of the Maharaja’s court. Arrested on charges of sedition, he was thrown into a lion’s cage—a brutal attempt to humiliate and silence him. But the attempt backfired. His caging sparked admiration among the Kashmiri masses who began calling him “Sher-e-Kashmir” for his lion-hearted courage.

This astonishing episode was documented in Kashmir Trail and Travail by Advocate Pyarelal Kaul, a descendant of Hargopal Kaul. The book details how both Hargopal and his younger brother, Saligram Kaul, were imprisoned and tortured at Bahu Fort, Jammu. After years of incarceration, Saligram escaped via a tunnel, while Hargopal was released six years later. Both received a hero’s welcome upon their return to Srinagar.

From Lahore to Kashmir’s Heart

Born in 1848 in Lahore, where his ancestors had migrated from Rainawari, Srinagar, Kashmir, Hargopal Kaul began his career as a school teacher and journalist. He launched the Urdu weekly Ravi Benazir from Lahore and later returned to his beloved Kashmir to settle in Nawa Kadal, Srinagar.

His passion for history led to the publication of Twarikh-i-Guldasta-i-Kashmir, a comprehensive Urdu chronicle of Kashmir, published in 1877. He sent this manuscript to Col. Holroyd of the Punjab Department of Education, reflecting his intellectual engagement with both Eastern and Western scholarship.

Voice Against Empire, Pen for the People

Khasta’s writings exposed British conspiracies and campaigned for the reinstatement of Maharaja Pratap Singh’s powers. While imprisoned, he composed Narsing Avtar, a political satire, and Gopal Nama, a masnavi revealing court intrigues. He also contributed to nationalist journals like The Reformer and Desh ki Pukar.

Despite spending much of his life outside Kashmir, his soul remained tethered to his homeland. He channeled this devotion into impactful writing and activism.

Champion of Women’s Education

After political conditions improved with Raja Suraj Kaul’s appointment in the regency council, Khasta returned to Kashmir to champion social reform. He founded a Hindu school for boys that would eventually evolve into Sri Pratap College, with support from educational reformer Annie Besant.

Even more boldly, he initiated a movement for girls’ education—considered taboo at the time—by establishing schools in Nawa Kadal, overseen by his daughter Padmavati. Scholar Dr. Ashraf Kashmiri later hailed him as the “Pioneer of Women’s Education in Kashmir.”

A Poet for the Ages

Hargopal Kaul was not only a political force but also a literary light. He composed progressive, nationalist poetry in Persian and Urdu that inspired change and unity. His verses carried the pain and passion of a patriot determined to awaken the soul of a nation.

Hargopal Kaul passed away in 1923, his name gradually fading from popular memory. While Sheikh Abdullah later came to be popularly known as “Sher-e-Kashmir,” many in Kashmir—especially followers of Moulvi Yusuf Shah—refused to accept this new claimant to the title.

To this day, the original Sher-e-Kashmir remains an unsung lion of our land—a poet, a patriot, a reformer whose roar still echoes in the forgotten pages of history.

A Bible in  Kashmiri Sharda Script!

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A Bible in  Kashmiri Sharda Script!

By : Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo*

In the dusty corners of religious and linguistic history lies a remarkable story—one that links a Bengali riverside mission, a Kashmiri script “Sharda’’ on the verge of extinction, and a Bible that almost nobody read!

Few people today know that the first-ever translation of the Holy Bible into Kashmiri was printed not in Kashmir, but in the colonial town of Serampore, near Calcutta, in the year 1821. And even fewer know that this translation was rendered not in the now-dominant Perso-Arabic script, but in Sharda—an ancient script once used by Kashmiri Pandits to write Sanskritic texts.

This is the story of that Bible—and the men who tried to bridge two spiritual worlds with a single, sacred book.

Serampore: Where Faith Met Philology

The tale begins at the Serampore Mission, founded in 1800 by three English Baptists—William Carey, Joshua Marshman and William Ward. These missionaries believed that the word of God should be available to every Indian in their own language. Working out of a quiet Danish trading post on the banks of the Hooghly River, they launched what would become one of the most prolific translation projects in the world.

Among them, William Carey stood out—not just as a missionary, but as a linguist, educator and reformer. Carey was convinced that the key to evangelization in India lay in the power of the vernacular. Over time, he helped translate the Bible into more than two dozen Indian languages, including Bengali, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi, Assamese, and Hindi.

One of the most ambitious and unusual undertakings was his attempt to translate the New Testament into Kashmiri—a language that few British scholars had even heard of at the time.

Why Kashmiri—and Why Sharda?

Carey’s Kashmiri translation was rooted in a fascinating, albeit impractical, choice. While the spoken language of the Valley had begun adopting Perso-Arabic script due to Muslim majority influence, Carey chose the older Sharda script. Derived from Brahmi and closely associated with Hindu scholarship in Kashmir, Sharda had by then fallen into near obscurity.

Carey’s reasoning was both spiritual and strategic. He hoped to reach the intellectual elite of Kashmir, particularly Kashmiri Pandits, who still revered the ancient script. The aim was not mass appeal, but a high-minded dialogue—to reach the minds and hearts of those who shaped religious discourse in the region.

The Translator from Mattan, Kashmir

To carry out the translation, Carey enlisted Thakur Khaar, a Kashmiri scholar likely from Mattan, a town renowned for its ancient temples and centers of learning. The collaboration between Carey and Khaar resulted in a deeply unique manuscript—not just a Christian text, but one steeped in the cultural and spiritual idioms of Kashmir.

Before the scripture begins, Khaar included a Sanskritic invocation, seeking the blessings of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. His foreword, rendered in lyrical Kashmiri, reflects a syncretic spirit rarely seen in religious texts of the time.

A translation of the original prologue reads:

“Sacred Divine Words
A Humble Offering
Just as in a garland of flowers no petal is greater or lesser than another, so too is the word of God.
By Thakur Khaar
(Dedicated to the devotion of Upendra)
Let Kumar Bhatta or the scholars of Bhattika scripture kindly accept this Book.
May the Lord’s Grace Always Remain.”

It was an extraordinary moment—where a Christian message entered Kashmir through the doorways of Hindu metaphor, delivered in a script known only to a dwindling few.

A Quiet Launch, a Quieter Reception

The Sharda-script Kashmiri Bible was printed in 1821, but its journey was short-lived. By that time, Sharda had faded from daily use, and most Kashmiri readers had moved to Persian or, increasingly, Urdu.

As a result, the book had almost no readership in the Valley. Very few copies made it to Kashmir at all. The Bible remained, essentially, a beautiful linguistic artifact—an academic marvel, but a practical failure.

Rev. Newton’s Encounter in Ludhiana

Evidence of the text’s obscurity surfaces again in 1838, in the writings of Rev. John Newton, a missionary stationed in Ludhiana. He recorded a rare moment when two groups of Kashmiri Brahmins, then living in Punjab, visited him and asked for religious books.

“I was gratified to find they could read and understand Dr. Carey’s Kashmiri Testament,” Newton wrote. “But such readers are rare. The majority of Kashmiris are Mohammedans who use the Persian script. Carey’s version, though brilliant, was lost in translation.”

It was a poignant acknowledgement. A translation crafted with care and reverence had missed its moment, reaching only a handful of readers—most of them outside Kashmir.

Though the Kashmiri Bible remained unread, it was part of a wider legacy that continues to inspire.

William Carey (1761–1834) was more than a missionary. He was a social reformer who campaigned against sati, advocated for women’s education, and translated the Ramayana into English. He also founded Serampore College, one of India’s oldest degree-granting institutions.

Carey’s Kashmiri translation may not have changed lives, but it showed his belief in the power of language to transcend boundaries—and his respect for India’s ancient literary traditions.

A Lost Bridge Between Faiths

Today, the Sharda-script Kashmiri Bible remains a rare specimen in museum collections and missionary archives. But it tells us something profound.

It is a story of missed connections and unfulfilled intentions—but also of deep cross-cultural respect. A moment when a Western missionary, a Kashmiri Brahmin, and a forgotten script together tried to speak across religious divides.

A Page from Bible: In Sharda Script!

Even in failure, their effort stands as a quiet, poetic testimony: that faith, language, and dialogue—when rooted in mutual respect—can build bridges, even if history forgets to walk across them.

  • Kanwal Krishan Lidhoo is a noted Broadcaster, Author and acclaimed  Translator approved by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. He is a Founding Director of Kashmir Rechords Foundation.

Unveiling Spirits and Ghosts of Kashmir!

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Unveiling Spirits and Ghosts of Kashmir!

(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Kashmir, a land steeped in mystery, has always been home to fascinating folklore and tales of the supernatural. Words related to ghosts and spirits find their way into daily conversation across the region, often without much thought to their origin or meaning. Yet, these ethereal entities have been part of the cultural fabric for centuries. Some, particularly the new generation, may be unfamiliar with their names today, but let’s take a deeper dive into the eerie world of Kashmiri spirits and ghosts, unraveling the stories behind these otherworldly beings.

The Jins: The Spellcasters and Tormentors

The Jins (also known as dgins, Jenie, elves, Devv, Drethaakh, Tasrup, and many other names) are believed to be supernatural beings that transcend gender. These spirits have a notorious reputation for casting curses and spells of misfortune. When a Jin sets its sights on a victim, the consequences are not just terrifying but often involve endless torment, both physical and psychological.

Yechh: The Ancient Inhabitants of Kashmir

Yechh is thought to be one of Kashmir’s original inhabitants, embodying the traits of a heathen spirit. Its origins are linked to the trans-Himalayan deity, Yaksha, and its presence is often associated with both ill and good omens. The Yechh’s mysterious nature has woven it into the region’s ancient tales, where it roams in search of the unsuspecting.

Divath: The Spirit of the Home

Divath is a spirit tied to homes and dwellings. The phrase “Wachya Divath” is still heard across Kashmir, used by people from all walks of life as a curse. It implies that someone has lost the protection of the divine spirits, causing them to experience chaos, financial ruin and domestic turmoil. It is believed that the divine guardians have forsaken that individual due to their misdeeds.

Brahm Brahm Chouk: The Spirit of Marshes and Graveyards

A member of the dreaded Tasrup category, Brahm Brahm Chouk targets the weak, the sick, and the young. This spirit is particularly active near Numbals (marshy lands), cremation grounds,and graveyards, preying on those in vulnerable states. Victims fall under its spell, which is said to slowly weaken their body and spirit.

Whoph Whoph: The Spirit of Abandoned Houses

A strange sound, “Whoph Whoph,” is often associated with the spirits of old, decaying houses. It is said that when people pass by such abandoned structures, they sometimes feel a strange pull, as if trapped by the spirits dwelling there. These spirits are linked to the howling of dogs and the hissing of cats, creating an atmosphere of eerie dread.

Mushraan: The Embrace of Decline and Destruction

Mushraan appears as a grotesque, disheveled spirit—often depicted as an old, obese figure. This malevolent entity strikes by embracing its victim in a suffocating hug, initiating a downward spiral of illness, poverty and decay. As the victim suffers, their health and wealth wither away, consumed by the spirit’s malevolent embrace.

Daen (Dyn): The Evil Spirit of the Subcontinent

A terrifying entity that belongs to the same dark category of spirits known throughout the Indian subcontinent. The Daen, or Dyn, is a harbinger of evil and misfortune, with its presence often being an omen of terrible things to come.

Raantas: The Reversed-Footed Spirit of Kashmir

Unique to Kashmir, the Raantas is a form of Daen whose lore stretches across Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, where it is known as “Aal” or “Goul.” It is a terrifying figure with reversed feet and eyes that sit unnaturally close to its nose. Its twisted appearance and malevolent energy strike fear into the hearts of those who dare speak of it.

Rih: The Enchantress with Dark Intentions

Rih is a terrifying female spirit who specializes in enchantment. Using her ability to cast powerful spells, she captures men with the sinister intention of devouring them. Her presence is said to be marked by an overwhelming sense of dread and an inevitable sense of doom for those unfortunate enough to encounter her.

Parish : The Fiery Beauty of Destruction

Parish, also known as Pari, is a stunningly beautiful yet dangerous female spirit. Her body is said to be composed of four elements, with fire being the most dominant. This fiery nature allows her to consume her victims in a blaze of fiery destruction, leaving them restless and consumed by an uncontrollable unease. Thus goes the saying in Kashmir…..Are you suffering from Parish?….The one who is restless!

The Enduring Legacy of Spirits in Kashmiri Folklore

These spirits, ghosts and supernatural beings are not just relics of a forgotten past but remain alive in the language and folklore of Kashmir. In an era dominated by reason and science, these tales may sound superstitious or irrational to some. However, they continue to captivate the imagination of the Kashmiri people, serving as a reminder of the region’s deep-rooted cultural history.

The research for this compilation comes from an extensive study of Kashmir’s folklore, and we draw special attention to the rare book Keys to Kashmir (published by Lala Rukh Publications, Srinagar, 1953). This work also includes excerpts from Vigney Godfrey Thomas’s 1848 edition, Travels in Kashmir, Ladakh, Iskardu.

We invite our esteemed readers to contribute any further insights or stories they may have on these fascinating subjects. Your contributions/Comments are welcome as we continue to unravel the mysteries of Kashmir’s otherworldly past.

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