Lifestyle Of Kashmiri People:

A Glimpse into the Lifestyle of Azad Kashmir People:

Azad Jammu and Kashmir, commonly known as AJK or Azad Kashmir, is a region located in the northern part of Pakistan. It is known for its scenic beauty, lush green valleys, and snow-capped mountains. The people of Azad Kashmir are friendly, hospitable, and welcoming to tourists. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lifestyle of the Azad Kashmir people.

Food and Cuisine:

The cuisine of Azad Kashmir is heavily influenced by the food of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan. The staple food of the region is rice, which is often served with curry, vegetables, and meat. One of the popular dishes of Azad Kashmir is "Gushtaba," which is a meatball made of minced mutton cooked in a yogurt-based gravy. Another famous dish is "Harissa," which is made of pounded wheat and meat, cooked for hours on a low flame until it turns into a thick, rich porridge-like consistency.

The people of Azad Kashmir also have a sweet tooth and enjoy desserts like "Firni," a rice pudding made with milk and flavored with cardamom and saffron, and "Sheer Khurma," a sweet vermicelli pudding with dates and nuts.

Clothing and Fashion:

The traditional dress of Azad Kashmir is colorful and vibrant. Men wear a shalwar kameez, which is a long shirt worn over loose-fitting trousers. Women wear a "Shalwar," loose-fitting pants, and a "Kameez," a long shirt. The outfit is usually accompanied by a "Dupatta," a long scarf that covers the head and shoulders.

The region is known for its intricate embroidery work, and women often wear embroidered shawls, scarves, and dresses. The embroidery work is done by hand and is passed down from generation to generation.

Religion and Festivals:

The majority of the population in Azad Kashmir is Muslim, and Islam plays a significant role in the daily lives of people. Mosques are the center of social and religious life, and people gather to pray five times a day.

The people of Azad Kashmir celebrate religious festivals such as Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid-ul-Adha, which commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. Other festivals celebrated in the region include Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Qadr, and Milad-un-Nabi.

Sports and Entertainment:

The people of Azad Kashmir are passionate about sports and enjoy playing cricket, football, volleyball, and basketball. The region has produced many talented cricketers, and cricket is the most popular sport in the region.

The people of Azad Kashmir also enjoy traditional folk music and dance. The "Kashmiri Dance" is a popular dance form in the region, which is performed by both men and women during weddings and other festive occasions.

Education and Literacy:

Azad Kashmir has made significant progress in education in recent years, with the government investing in improving access to education for all. The literacy rate in the region has increased from 54% in 1998 to 74% in 2017, with more girls now attending school than ever before.

The region has several universities and colleges, including the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the people of Azad Kashmir have a rich and diverse lifestyle, which is heavily influenced by their culture, religion, and natural surroundings. The region is known for its beautiful scenery, hospitable people, and delicious food. Despite facing several challenges, the people of Azad Kashmir are resilient and have made significant progress in various areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The region has a bright future, with opportunities for development and growth.