A cultural testament of Kashmiriyat and its role in bridging cultural divides

As I sat cosied up in the comfortable nook of my living room, with the pitter-patter of rain drizzling against the window, the phone rang. On the other end of the line was a dear friend, all the way from a distant metropolis of Punjab, declaring, I own an abundant collection of Pherans!
I own several Pherans and I just adore them, he confessed with the zealous tone of a passionate connoisseur. His voice, though hundreds of miles away, radiated with warmth akin to a welcoming Pheran, Kashmir’s ubiquitous traditional attire. I sat, picturing him comfortably curled up in a vibrant, cosy Pheran, feeling the same warmth I do during the Kashmiri winters.
Perplexed, yet pleasantly surprised, I curiously inquired: What prompted this sudden inclination towards our traditional garb? It was a very new and quite interesting thing for me that someone from Punjab’s comparatively balmy region would own not one, but several! And then to my amazement, he said many others also do and guess what! Since then I chanced upon a lot of videos of people from other states wearing Pheran on social media…Frequency Illusion? Maybe not…
His excitement whisked me back to the emerald green meadows, snow-covered landscapes, and serene Dal Lake of our cherished Kashmir. I could almost visualise my friend’s love for Pheran through the phone. His admiration for this artistry, his awe of the Pheran stirred something within me…
With this revelation, it occurred to me that Pheran holds an immense potential to bridge cultural gaps.
Isn’t it fascinating that a piece of clothing is doing what endless discussions, diplomacy, and propaganda have struggled to do – extend the warm spirit of Kashmir beyond territorial lines? Indeed, through the threads of Pheran, hearts are woven together, cutting across linguistic, regional, and cultural divides.
I travelled down memory lane, only to get engrossed in my own mirthful childhood tales of wearing my golden-coloured Tilla Pheran. Like a nostalgic time machine, it swept me to those freezing mornings when a bunch of giggly children trotted to the school cocooned in multi-hued Pherans. More than the winter’s cold, the sight of snow delighted us. Clad in our vibrant Pherans, snowfights followed by a quiet huddle around the Kangri, were truly days of unalloyed joy. I could visualise the ethereal image of my maternal grandmother in traditional Pheran, holding me inside her Pheran in a dimly lit kitchen humming lullabies or offering fervent prayers for us in chilling winters.
Pheran has endured the march of time, fashion evolutions, political climate, and cultural shifts, proudly claiming its throne in every Kashmiri wardrobe. For centuries, Pherans have been synonymous with Kashmir, extending beyond religious and political divides, an epitome of unity and mutual respect. Initially conceived as a pragmatic response to Kashmir’s harsh winters, this full-length, loose garment has evolved over generations. Today, Pheran symbolises Kashmir’s exquisite taste and commitment to sustaining indigenous culture. Whether draped by a vendor selling Kangris on the frigid streets or worn at a cultural gala, Pheran consistently proves its versatile appeal.
Kashmir’s Pheran (possessive about it) teaches us how our sartorial choices mirror cultural realities and communal unities, unifying diverse narratives and ideologies into a beautiful, interwoven fabric of inclusivity and solidarity.
Pheran, to those unversed in Kashmiri tradition, is more than just a warm garment. It is the emotional garb of our ancestors, an uncut cord of love binding our land. It resonates with our winter narratives through countless ages. Our inherent love for this flowing woollen robe echoes in each storyteller’s hushed whisper as they bring tales of this pride to life around simmering Kangris. Not just a simple piece of cloth, it is a harbinger of warmth and happiness, stitching hearts, bridging cultures, crossing boundaries, connecting histories, and spreading the essence of Kashmir across miles.
By donning the Pheran, you wrap yourself not just in the warmth of its snug comfort but in the bosom of the splendid culture that is Kashmir. Like my Punjabi friend and numerous others who’ve adored Pheran, they’ve opened their arms to a bit of Kashmir. That’s the subtle magic of our Pheran – effortlessly finding its place across a multitude of wardrobes, painting a mosaic of diversity.
Numerous authors and poets, like Salman Rushdie, have appreciated Pheran’s beauty and warmth. Rushdie, the world-renowned author in his novel ‘Shalimar the Clown’, mentions Pheran with affection, recognizing it as the garb of honour, a symbol of modesty and decency. On Pheran Day, social media flooded with love and appreciation from various nations, who were sporting the traditional outfit. Closer home, Kashmiri poet Zareef Ahmad Zareef has also talked about it as an integral part of our cultural ethos. Acclaimed author Mirza Waheed, in his celebrated book ‘The Book of Gold Leaves’, fervently depicts the charm of the Pheran.
Remember, being ‘modern’ isn’t merely donning Western attires, but recognizing the global relevance of one’s ethnic wardrobe and flaunting it with grace.
So here’s to Pheran – the undimmed legacy of our fashion, a cherished embodiment of our roots, reflecting our heritage that brings Kashmir closer to those who are miles away. A humble yet compelling story – of an ethnic outfit evolving, not just surviving. Just as the legendary poet Rumi wisely quoted, Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you love. It will not lead you astray. And such is the pull of Pheran, irresistible, endearing, always inviting.
Long live our Pheran.. the pulsating heartbeat of Kashmir.; Long live our heritage! Let’s stride with our heads held high, wearing our legacy and teaching the world the wisdom of respecting and cherishing one’s roots.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Mahoor Haya Shah