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{{Short description|Kashmiri tradition}}
{{italic title}}
{{EngvarB|date=November 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Cleanup|date=December 2020|reason=The newly-rewritten article failed to make distinctions between the [[disputed territory]] of [[Kashmir]] with the [[Vale of Kashmir]].}}

[[File:Khrew (cropped).jpg|thumb|300px|The [[Jwala Ji Temple|Jwala Mukhi Mandir]] in [[Khrew]], located in the [[India]]n-administered [[union territory]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], hosts the Jwalamukhi Mela annually that is celebrated by both Kashmiri Hindus and Kashmiri Muslims.<ref name="Sajnani2001"/> The joint celebration of religious festivals by both [[Kashmiri Hindu]]s and [[Kashmiri Muslim]]s in the Kashmir Valley is said to be an emblem of the spirit of Kashmiriyat.<ref name="Koul2014"/>]]

'''''Kashmiriyat''''' (also spelled as '''''Kashmiriat''''') is the centuries-old indigenous tradition of communal harmony and religious [[syncretism]] in the [[Kashmir Valley]] in Indian-administered [[Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Tak|first=Toru|url=https://www.epw.in/journal/2013/16/perspectives/term-kashmiriyat.html|title=The Term Kashmiriyat|date=20 April 2013|work=Economic & Political Weekly|quote=The term Kashmiriyat has come to signify a centuries-old indigenous secularism of Kashmir.}}</ref> Emerging around the 16th century, it is characterised by religious and cultural harmony, [[patriotism]] and pride for their mountainous homeland of Kashmir.<ref>{{cite web | author= Hans Classroom | title=Kashmiriyat | website=The Hans India | date=2018-03-19 | url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans-Classroom/2018-03-19/Kashmiriyat/367516 | access-date=2020-09-28}}</ref>

Kashmiriyat exemplifies the joint Hindu-Muslim culture, festivals, language, cuisine and clothing in the Kashmir Valley.<ref name="Murphy2013">{{cite book |last1=Murphy |first1=Eamon |title=The Making of Terrorism in Pakistan: Historical and Social Roots of Extremism |date=2013 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-0-415-56526-4 |page=59 |language=en|quote=The form of Islam that emerged in Kashmir had been strongly influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. The three religions have produced a unique sociocultural and religious fusion known as Kashmiriyat, with its shared cuisine, music and language, which draws upon the mystical traditions of the devotional worship of Islamic Sufism and Hindu Bhakti. Kashmiriyat had been promoted by the fourteenth-century Muslim ruler Zain-ul-Abideen in order to promote harmony between Hindus and Muslims. The most popular face of worship in the Kashmir Valley are still Sufi shrines, which attract Hindu, Muslims and Sikhs. A Hindu woman mystic, Lal Dedh, is still revered by both Hindus and Muslims. A strikingly beautiful, popular myth in Kashmir is that after her death, Lal Dedh's body turned into a mound of flowers, half of which were buried by Hindus and the other half buried by Muslims. The practice of ''urs'' - an annual festival that is held at the shrines of Sufi saints to mark the anniversaries of their deaths - is traditionally celebrated by Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, despite attempts in recent years by extremists to stop them.}}</ref> In the spirit of Kashmiriyat, festivals of Hinduism and Islam are celebrated by adherents of both faiths.<ref name="Murphy2013"/> Kashmiriyat, with the [[Hindu-Muslim unity]] it encourages, was promoted by Kashmiri sultan [[Zayn al-Abidin (sultan of Kashmir)|Zain-ul-Abidin]]; the story of the Kashmiri mystic [[Lal Ded]] (also called Lalleswari), in which her body turned into a mound of flowers that was buried by both Hindus and Muslims, serves as an emblem of Kashmiriyat that keeps it alive today.<ref name="Murphy2013"/>

In recent 2007 poll conducted by the [[Centre for the Study of Developing Societies]] in New Delhi, 84 percent of people in [[Srinagar]] want to see the return of [[Kashmiri Pandits]].<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSDEL291796 87 pct in Kashmir Valley want independence - poll], Reuters, 13 August 2007</ref> A 2001 MORI survey of popular opinion in the then-state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], including the [[Kashmir Valley]], found 92% respondents opposed to the state being divided on the basis of religion or ethnicity.<ref>[http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1912/19121300.htm Kashmiris reject war in favour of democracy], Frontline, 8 June 2002.</ref><ref>[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/document/papers/mori_survey_JK.htm MORI Survey in Jammu and Kashmir], South Asia Terrorism Portal, 2001.</ref> However, scholar [[Christopher Snedden]] states that the concept of Kashmiriyat has been 'romanticised' and Kashmiriyat could not prevent antipathy and rivalry between the [[Kashmiri Pandit]]s and the [[Kashmiri Muslims]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a19eCwAAQBAJ&q=the+concept+of+kashmiriyat+has+been+somewhat+romanticised&pg=PT40|title=Understanding Kashmir and Kashmiris|last=Snedden|first=Christopher|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2015|isbn=9781849046220}}</ref>

==Origins==

The disputed territory of Kashmir enjoys significant ethnic, cultural and religious diversity. The region has historically been an important centre for [[Hinduism]] and [[Buddhism]]. [[Islam]] made inroads in medieval times, and [[Sikhism]] also spread to the region under the rule of the [[Sikh Empire]] in the 18th and 19th centuries. Kashmir has a significant place in the [[mythology]] and history of Hinduism and Buddhism. The region is home to many legendary Hindu and Buddhist monuments and institutions. The [[Hazratbal shrine]] houses a relic that is believed to be the hair of [[Muhammad]], the prophet of Islam. In his journeys seeking religious enlightenment, [[Guru Nanak]] travelled to Kashmir. Kashmiris believe that the ideas of ''Kashmiriyat'' the rule of Sultan [[Zayn al-Abidin (sultan of Kashmir)|Zain ul Abedin]], who gave equal protection, importance and patronage to Kashmir's different religious communities.<ref name="WV">{{cite web
|last = Nayak
|first = Meena Arora
|date = 2006-09-22
|url = http://www.worldviewmagazine.com/issues/article.cfm?id=106&issue=25
|title = Kashmiriyat: An embracing spirit languishes like the dying chinar tree
|work = World View Magazine
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20041118140208/http://www.worldviewmagazine.com/issues/article.cfm?id=106&issue=25
|archive-date = 2004-11-18
|url-status = dead
}}</ref> The tale of the Kashmiri mystic [[Lal Ded]], whose body is said to have turned into a mound of flowers that was buried by both Hindus and Muslims, is an ancient emblem of the spirit of Kashmiriyat.<ref name="Murphy2013"/>

==Philosophy==

Kashmir's existence is characterised by its insular Himalayan geography, harsh winter climate and isolation in economic and political terms. The region has also seen political turmoil and foreign invasions. ''Kashmiriyat'' is believed to be an expression of solidarity, resilience and patriotism regardless of religious differences.<ref name="WV"/> It is believed to embody an ethos of harmony and a determination of survival of the people and their heritage. To many Kashmiris, ''Kashmiriyat'' demanded religious and social harmony and brotherhood. It has been strongly influenced by [[Kashmir Shaivism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Sufism]], carrying a long-standing conviction that any and every religion will lead to the same divine goal.<ref name="WV"/>

Kashmir was also influenced by the Mughal emperor [[Akbar]]'s genesis of a syncretic philosophy of ''[[Din-i-Illahi]]'', which emphasized the blending of Hindu and Muslim ideals and values. Works in the Kashmiri language, art, culture and literature strongly expound and emphasize ''Kashmiriyat'' as a way of life.<ref name="Lit">{{cite web
|last = Razdan
|first = P. N.
|date = 2006-09-22
|url = http://www.koausa.org/KashmiriGems/index.html
|title = Kashmiriat and literature
|access-date = 2006-09-22
|archive-date = 29 March 2012
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120329214500/http://www.koausa.org/KashmiriGems/index.html
|url-status = dead
}}</ref> However, the impact and importance of ''Kashmiriyat'' has been concentrated in the [[Kashmir Valley]] only, which is the real historical Kashmir. The farther regions of [[Gilgit, Pakistan|Gilgit]], [[Baltistan]], [[Jammu]] and [[Ladakh]] have not been influenced by this philosophy, as these regions are not Kashmiri in terms of culture, language or ethnicity.{{cn|date=July 2023}}

==Notable examples==
Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs celebrate the annual [[Sufism in India|Sufi]] festival of [[urs]] together in the Indian union territory of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref name="Murphy2013"/>

Kashmiri Muslim carpet weavers have designed carpets that feature the Hindu deities [[Durga]], [[Lakshmi]] and [[Saraswati]].<ref name="Chari2018">{{cite web |last1=Chari |first1=Pushpa |title=Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb: Syncretic ethos in weaves and crafts |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/ganga-jamuni-tehzeeb-syncretic-ethos-in-weaves-and-crafts/article24532379.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=10 November 2020 |language=en |date=28 July 2018}}</ref>

Every year on 16 July, the Jwalamukhi Fair is held in the city of [[Khrew]], which hosts the [[Jwala Ji Temple|Jwala Ji Mandir]], and is attended by Kashmiri Hindus and Kashmiri Muslims.<ref name="Sajnani2001">{{cite book |last1=Sajnani |first1=Manohar |title=Encyclopaedia of Tourism Resources in India |date=2001 |publisher=Gyan Publishing House |isbn=978-81-7835-017-2 |page=163 |language=en |quote=An important festival is Jwalamukhi fair which is held in village Khrew near Pulwama. The temple is situated on top of a small hillock and is known as Jwalamukhi. The festival falls on or about 16th July and is celebrated by Hindus as well as Muslims. About 250 to 300 stalls are set up by Muslim peasants for the sale of different kinds of commodities. Confectionary shops and such other stalls in which earthen trays with ghee and a cotton wick are available for sale are run by Hindu shopkeepers.}}</ref>

During the celebration of [[Muslim holidays|Eid]], it is common for Hindus to wish their Muslim neighbours, a practice that Pran Koul states exemplified the "culture of Kashmiriyat in full".<ref name="Koul2014">{{cite book |last1=Koul |first1=Pran |title=The Silence Speaks |date=6 January 2014 |publisher=Partridge Publishing |isbn=978-1-4828-1594-8 |page=55 |language=en}}</ref>

==Modern challenges==

The culture and ethos of ''Kashmiriyat'' was greatly eroded at the onset of the [[Kashmir conflict]], when the region was claimed by [[Pakistan]] and [[India]] and its territory divided during the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]]. In the political debate on sovereignty over Kashmir, some interpret ''Kashmiriyat'' as [[nationalism]] and an expression for political independence from both Pakistan and India. The onset of [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|militancy in Kashmir from 1989]] has led to the exodus of almost all Hindus from Kashmir and violent attacks against the remaining communities of Hindus and Sikhs, further eroding the fabric of ''Kashmiriyat''.<ref name="WV"/> Amidst the wider dispute between India and Pakistan. Conscious efforts to revive ''Kashmiriyat'' have been made by various communities of Muslims and Hindus through united opposition to violence in the state.<ref name="DH">{{cite web
|newspaper = Deccan Herald
|date = 2005-07-21
|url = http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul212005/editpage1623242005720.asp
|title = Spirit of Kashmiriat
|access-date = 2006-09-22
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070312212729/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul212005/editpage1623242005720.asp |archive-date = 2007-03-12}}</ref> Efforts to promote ''Kashmiriyat'' through cultural activities, social programmes and literature have increased throughout Jammu and Kashmir and amongst expatriate Kashmiri communities. {{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

== See also ==
* [[Composite nationalism]]
* [[Punjabiyat]], a similar tradition of multi-religious unity in the neighbouring Punjab region
* [[Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb]]
* [[Hindu–Muslim unity]]
* [[Phool Walon Ki Sair]]

==References==

<references/>

==Further reading==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090327001842/http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/24/stories/2009032459041000.htm Farooq Abdullah defines ‘Kashmiriat’; 24 March 2009; The Hindu, India's National Newspaper]
*[http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/10/27/the-political-and-cultural-richness-of-kashmiriyat/ The Political and Cultural Richness of Kashmiriyat] (27 October 2016), by [[Nyla Ali Khan]], in ''[[CounterPunch|CounterPunch.org]]''
* {{cite book|author1=M. Bolognani|author2=S. Lyon|title=Pakistan and Its Diaspora: Multidisciplinary Approaches|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7bXGAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA97|date=9 May 2011|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-0-230-11907-9|pages=97–}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041118140208/http://www.worldviewmagazine.com/issues/article.cfm?id=106&issue=25 Kashmiriat]
*[http://www.koausa.org/KashmiriGems/index.html Kashmiri literature and ''Kashmiriyat''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329214500/http://www.koausa.org/KashmiriGems/index.html |date=29 March 2012 }}
*[http://www.countercurrents.org/kashmir-raman7403.htm Nandimarg and ''Kashmiriyat'']
*[http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul212005/editpage1623242005720.asp Spirit of ''Kashmiriat'']

{{India topics}}
{{Stateless nationalism in Asia}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir}}
{{Jammu and Kashmir freedom movement}}

[[Category:Indian philosophy]]
[[Category:Culture of India]]
[[Category:Culture of Kashmir]]
[[Category:Religion in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Hinduism and Islam]]

Kashmiriyat - Revision history

imported>CareyTorgerson at 08:05, 6 November 2025