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Jagra and Jattar: Living Traditions of Pahadi Culture

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Introduction The Pahadi hills of Upper Kathua and Udhampur are home to many unique traditions that have been preserved for generations. Among the most important of these traditions are Jagra, Gagail and Jattar, religious ceremonies that bring together faith, culture and community. These customs continue to be practiced in many villages and remain an important part of Pahadi identity. A temple in Upper Kathua where Jagra is being performed Jagra: Calling Upon the Divine Jagra is a devotional gathering organized to invoke and honour local deities. It usually takes place at night and involves the singing of sacred hymns, prayers and Kaarks that describe the lives and heroic deeds of deities, saints and folk heroes. Villagers gather together to seek blessings, express gratitude and strengthen their connection with their ancestral traditions. In Jagra ceremonies dedicated to Jwala Mata, devotees perform extraordinary acts of faith. One such ritual involves running across the fire. This is v...
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Anchali: A Living Folk Tradition of Upper Kathua’s Pahadi Culture

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In hills of Billawar and Bani, life moves with rhythm of traditions. Among the rich heritage of the region is the Anchali(Ainchali). A religious ballad rooted in the cultural identity of the Pahadi communities of upper Kathua and Chamba region of HP. In short it is folk singing tradition,group dance expression and social celebration. Anchali is traditionally performed during festivals, weddings, and local fairs. It is not a formally structured dance but a collective expression of happiness , where villagers come together in rhythm, song, and movement. Structure of Ainchali Songs Ainchali songs are sung in three parts: 1. Brahmakhara The first part, sung in a very slow rhythm, is known as Brahmakhara . This part generally involves stuti (praise) of different gods and goddesses. Sometimes, different mythological tales are also told in this part. 2. Bharath The second part of Ainchali is known as Bharath . It is sung in a faster rhythm. 3. Varis When it reaches the t...
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Origin of Kalari (aut. Kaladi) Cheese: A Cultural and Nomadic Journey of Jammu & Kashmir

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Introduction Kalari aka kaladi is a  traditional hard, fermented cheese from Jammu,  made from  buffalo milk . Traditionally associated with the pastoral communities of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Gujjar-Bakarwal groups. It is a traditional milk-based product that has long been part of the mountain food culture and is now widely popular as a fried delicacy in the Jammu region. Its origin is deeply connected to nomadic lifestyles, seasonal migration, and cultural exchange between different pastoral communities. Nomadic Roots and Early Food Traditions Among the Gujjar-Bakarwal communities, dairy based food products were essential due to their nomadic way of life. Milk had to be preserved in simple, portable forms during long seasonal migrations. One such traditional preparation is locally referred to  as  Mash kresh / Maish Krej  (as mentioned in oral narratives), a milk based preparation that was used by Bakarwals. Maish Krej A Tale of Migration A popu...
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Empire, Accession and Jammu & Kashmir: Reading Krishan Dev Sethi in 1953

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Krishen Dev Sethi Krishen Dev Sethi  Krishan Dev Sethi was born to a Brahmin family in Mirpur in 1928. Sethi was not only a well known leader in Jammu, where he resided but also very popular across the LOC in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He was an ardent supporter of an independent Kashmir and fought for independence since the 1950s. Sethi was the general secretary of the Democratic Conference in Jammu & Kashmir. He was the last surviving member of the Jammu & Kashmir Constituent Assembly the body that drafted J&K’s constitution. He died in 2021 and his death marked an end of an era. In a speech was given by him after arrest of Sheikh Abdullah in 1953 and the formation of Bakshi government. Sethi attempted to explain why Kashmir had become the focus of so much international attention. The speech starts with Sethi warning for if the change in govt had not taken place J&K would have become another Korea (he was referring to kor...
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Victoria High School, Poonch: A Forgotten Legacy of Modern Education in Jammu & Kashmir

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 In the historic town of Poonch lies one of the earliest institute of modern education in the region, The Victoria Jubilee High School was established over a century ago. A School Ahead Of Its Time Archival evidence from the Administrative Report of Poonch Jagir (1906-1907) provides one of the earliest confirmed references to the school.  At that time, the state had only 13 schools of which notably; Victoria Jubilee High School in Poonch was the only institute offering education up to Entrance standard. The rest were the village primary school Beyond its early prominence, the growth of education around the High School reflected a broader transformation taking place in the early 20th century. The administrative reports highlight an increasing public interest in education, indicated by significant growth in enrollment and this also indicated that formal education was gradually becoming accessible beyond elite circles. The High School stood at the centre of this change.It represe...
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Holi in Jammu & Kashmir – A Glimpse into History

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Kangra painting  Holi in Jammu & Kashmir has a distinct historical character shaped by Dogra rule,Sikh empire and regional traditions. When Jammu & Kashmir emerged as a separate princely state in 1846 under the Dogras, Holi became one of the prominent spring festivals in Jammu , especially among the urban population and the royal court. Holi Under the Sikh Period (Early 19th Century) During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1801–1839), Holi was celebrated with exceptional grandeur at Lahore, which at the time governed Jammu. Contemporary observers describe elaborate preparations, including the large scale use of lac-based dyes. In 1837, records note the consumption of nearly 300 mounds of dye during festivities. European officials, including Sir Henry Fane , are documented as having witnessed these celebrations. Although centred in Lahore, these courtly traditions influenced administrative and elite culture in regions under Sikh authority, including Jammu. Financial Reco...
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Dogri Folk Orchestra: The Musical Soul of Duggar

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  T he Dogri Folk Orchestra is a traditional music ensemble from the Duggar region. It combines percussion, wind instruments and vocals to create a lively and rhythmic music. Historic Development Dogri folk music developed over centuries in the hills and plains of the Duggar region. Important historical influences: Village celebrations and agricultural festivals Royal patronage from the rulers of Jammu and Kashmir Oral musical traditions passed from generation to generation Cultural interaction with neighboring regions like  Himachal Pradesh Traditionally, folk musicians performed during: Weddings Harvest festivals Religious ceremonies Community gatherings Rhythmic Structure Dogri folk orchestra usually follows repeating rhythmic cycles called Tala . Common patterns include: Keharwa (8 beats) Count: 1 2 3 4 | 5 6 7 8 Dadra (6 beats) Count: 1 2 3 | 4 5 6 Simple Folk Rhythm (4 beats) Count: 1 2 | 3 4 The main rhythm is played by drums while o...
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