DAILY LIFE OF A VILLAGER IN KASHMIR

The daily life of a villager in Kashmir is deeply connected to nature, tradition, and a strong sense of community.

A typical day begins early, with the morning prayer (Fajr) before dawn. Afterward, villagers tend to their daily chores, which often involve agriculture, livestock care, or other traditional occupations like weaving Kashmiri shawls or carpets. Many families grow their own vegetables, harvest apples, or cultivate saffron, depending on the season. In mountainous areas, herding sheep or goats is a common task.

Women play an integral role in household duties—cooking meals, collecting firewood, or fetching water. Breakfast usually includes traditional dishes like "nun chai" (salted tea) with bread. Social life in the village revolves around gathering at local mosques, tea houses, or "chowks" (village squares), where men discuss local affairs and politics, while women often meet for collective household activities like rice pounding or vegetable drying.

Winters in Kashmir are harsh, so preparation for the colder months, such as collecting wood, storing food, and preparing "kangris" (small firepots for warmth), is a significant part of village life. Evenings are quiet, with families gathering around for dinner, usually followed by storytelling or sitting by the fire to stay warm.

Villagers in Kashmir lead simple yet fulfilling lives, close to nature, with strong community bonds and deep-rooted cultural traditions.