10 Jan
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Kashmiri Almond Oil (Cold-pressed)

Made from 100% Kashmiri mamra almond kernel, almond oil comes into existence after an elaborate process of the cold press. This protects the unimpressed flavour and nutrients of the oil. The natural almond oil, bright sunset yellow in colour is nature’s own concoction to cure hair and skin concerns. Almond oil forms a major portion of a Kashmiri almond kernel. Almond, called Badaam locally is enclosed in a hard, woody, oval nut, pointed at one or both ends. Its shape is a craftsmen’s muse. From paper mache artist to the carpet weaver to the shawl embroider, every creator sketches a badaam shape onto their canvases adroitly in addition to the age-old motifs that have been tested by the tide of time. A powerhouse of nutrients, it’s compose of vitamin ‘A’ can help you with stubborn zits and...

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22 Dec
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Brief Royal History Aari Embroidery

Fascinated by the floral motifs exclusively and by architecture, paintings, and murals, comprehensively, the Mughal era witnessed an origin of Aari embroidery. Artistic influence on natural fabrics with close weave was new. Aari enhanced the look of a bland fabric and moved it up many notches. The Kaarigar’s started selling them like hotcakes and the sale, purchase of these have not stopped ever since. Embroidery is more than a craft to the Kashmiri craftsman; it is an emotion woven into threads over a period. The craftsman does just everything from the collection of the finest raw material to thread selection best suited as per the required fabric count. The higher the count, the finer the yarn is and the more exquisite the embroidery would be. Aari work is an all-season excitement as it can be crafted on...

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17 Dec
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The gleaming earthy-brown, Copperware.

The ethnic Kashmir is inconceivable without the vermillion of Kashmiri red chilies and winter vegetables drying on the windowsill of the old Srinagar kitchen, flashing a hint of copper tableware. The shelves decorated with gleaming tasht naer, copper plates, casseroles, samovar, and likes are A number 1 in assorted tableware in the region. They are traditional to Kashmir and add four moons to the Kashmiri dashtarkhaan. Families in Kashmir lovingly get the initials of the members of the family engraved on the ware or only that of the eldest member. This is done to distinguish the tableware of one family from the other which otherwise gets convoluted to separate from others during the ceremony. Zaina Kadal, one of the oldest markets of copperware, hustles with gleam and clank of the copper utensils. The customer’s bargaining for...

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04 Dec
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Golden threads of Tilla.

Seeded in the hamlet of Zari in Iran, acclimation of the Tilla threads of malleable gold and silver happened in Kashmir by a revered Sufi saint, Shah-e-Hamdan. These were hammered to form fine threads and the patterns were influenced by the chain of the thoughts of the artists on needlework. Mughals were mesmerized by its grandiose. They used epoch pieces of Tilla in their royal courts, thus setting it into a timeless fashion. This aesthetic blend has been tingling the fashion curation of the royals since time immemorial. The posh designers fancy this intricacy for the Grammy award chiffonier while the glamorous women admire themselves in the dresser's mirror. Gold and silver form the prime adornments for the Kashmiri wedding wardrobe. The myriad of Kashmiri brides use Tilla as bejewelling apparel. Minimalist brides even do not consider wearing...

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29 Nov
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Brief history and essence of Saffron.

Saffron, a crimson spice grown in the brown-mahogany-colored Karewa soil of Pampore attains the inception of its beauty methodically from the lavender blossoms to its nectareous infusion into the cuisines. Also referred to as the ‘red gold,’ it is an empress of all seasoning. Translated to Zafran in Urdu, its literal meaning is ‘someone or something who is highly prized and fragrant in essence.’ Its thread-like structure calls for a profound acclamation of the art of the Lord. A powerful antioxidant, Saffron is patent to reduce oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals in humans. It gets its accreditation of the ‘sunshine spice’ because of its mood upping associations. In addition to the stigma, the petals of Kong-posh are known to rod mild to moderate depression. It is a feminine-friendly spice as well. Moreover, it...

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29 Nov
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‘Paper mache – The craft of pulped paper’

These are ought to spark delight and discussion. Many artists register the scenes of their day-to-day by pouring them out on the paper mache canvas. The colours used are organic or vegetable-based, keeping your bundle of joy out of harm’s way while they play with these mache toys. Khush-Khati or calligraphy with the Iranian touch, on the range of variably-sized plates of paper mache, is also yearningly customized. It is hard to imagine that something made of wastepaper, goes under Sakthsaazi, and eventually turns out to be so elegant. The Kashmiri craftsmen are gifted with art so colossal that they turn the discarded paper into a myriad of patterns and hence into an attractive work of handicraft. One can shop for the home decor consisting of miniature hookah pots, photo frames, colourful paintings on wood for bedsteads, ceilings,...

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26 Nov
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Kashmiri kahwa – The golden brew!

With a very thin muzak of rabab in the background, Kahwa in Kashmiri homes is steeped in the copper samovars, so much so that the liquid attains an ethereal, deep golden, velvety consistency. It is an infusion of a blend of impeccable, organic Kashmiri herbs. Stevia, honey, or sugar is used as a sweetener. It is traditionally garnished with crushed almonds and the strands of Kong posh (saffron) taking it to a festive high. Dried rose petals are added to it as well on customization. Shangri a famous grandmother’s herb is an ardent part of the Kashmiri Kahwa in addition to Sepistan, shount, and Dalchini. During the recent COVID-19 lockdown, the addition of these was medically recommended in this simple homemade decoction, Kahwa. Shangri consists of dried stolon, yellow-brown or deep brown outer layer, and is wrinkled....

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25 Oct
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Organic Foods – The key to longevity

In the modern world, food habits have changed for almost everyone. People are more focused on organic and healthier diets to improve the longevity of their life.  Feeding a growing number of people without disturbing the natural balance is now more important than ever. The masses are gradually being taught the steps of every carbon footprint, so they are turning to sustainable lifestyles. If one is striving to get better, the daily diet is important – small steps can lead to a big change. Mindful nutrition is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Hence, it has been scientifically confirmed that the ancient diet is proven to be more effective in increasing the longevity of man. One common pattern of diet among early civilizations was the high intake of nuts, grains, and seeds and the consumption...

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12 Oct
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A Brief History of Honey

One of the oldest foods known to mankind, Honey has been around for thousands of years.  Archaeological research has confirmed that prehistoric humans relished honey and also discovered its benefits. Later, when the Man left the caves and built hives and living quarters, he also began making artificial pieces for bees. About 4,000 years ago, the Egyptians practiced beekeeping, especially along the Nile and its nearby areas. During the burial of graves, cups and jugs of sealed honey were placed along with the belief that it could accompany the dead on their journey to the afterlife. The studying of Hieroglyphs confirms that honey was used not only as a not as a food but also as a medical remedy for digestive disorders and as a base for healing wounds and wounds. The Greek civilization utilized honey in...

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05 Oct
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5 Handicrafts that you must buy

Since time immemorial, India is famous for its distinctive art and culture, consisting of a diverse way of lifestyle. Ranging from culinary to clothing, the lifestyle differs at different places which makes this country a haven for tourists and explorers. Considering the fact that India has a rich history that goes back thousands of years, there is a huge number of collectibles and handicraft items that one can own. Each region specializes in a different kind of handicraft creation, mostly which is handmade. The following article mentions some of the best handicrafts which one must possess- POTTERY - The tradition of pottery is prevalent since the time of the Harappa civilization. Modern pottery designs include ambiguous colors along with intricate patterns designed on them. Hand-made potteries are usually made in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and other places...

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