(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) In its traditions and ways of life, Kashmir is rooted more in regions to its north than in those to its south. It has been close to Central Asia due to vibrant commercial and cultural relations. With the advent of Islam that accompanied the arrival of personalities like Shah-e-Hamadan (RA), Bulbul Shah, Mir Shamsuddin Araki and hundreds of others, Kashmir came to be known as Iran-e-Sagheer, or Smaller Iran, and it had developed close links with Central Asia and the Middle East through the historic Silk Route.

As Kashmir came under the social, cultural and economic influence of Central Asia, people embraced many customs and new traditions which took deep roots in society but are vanishing now with the so-called “modern way of living.” Among them is the tradition of Nawroz.

Professor Gregory Gleason, Director of the Central Asia Program at the George C. Marshall European Center, wrote upon his arrival in Srinagar: “To be honest with you, when I arrived in Kashmir, I immediately recognised the kindred relationship with the Central Asian countries. There are cultural features and characteristics in Kashmir that remind me very much of countries we’ve traditionally regarded as the Central Asian countries.”

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The bitter fact is that the rich Central Asian, or to be precise, Persian, influence in Kashmir is on the wane. With changing times our culture and traditions are losing their hold, and acquiring a sense of kamrangi . Older generations are perturbed that no one among the younger crop is bothered about our changing cultural identity.

Nawroz: Cultural Heritage Losing To New Influences?

Contrary to popular perception, Nawroz is not merely a Shia-centric tradition. In addition to its religious undertones, its significance is socio-cultural, and it is a component of Kashmir’s cultural heritage. It is a philosophy, concept, and tradition, whose significance will remain always contemporary. Even after hundreds of years, these annual celebrations will not lose their significance if preserved in the face of various influences that are fast endangering our historically important traditions.

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