Tsot and Tsochwor: Kashmir’s Traditional Breads and Their Stories A traditional Kashmiri bakery scene where flatbreads are being baked by Kandur. In Kashmir, bread is more than an accompaniment to a meal. It is woven into the rhythms of the day, the warmth of hospitality and the social life of the neighbourhood. Early in the morning, while much of the Valley is still waking, the neighbourhood kandur—the traditional Kashmiri baker—is already at work. The heat of the clay oven, the smell of...

The Traditional Bridges of Kashmir: Architecture Across the Jhelum A serene view of Srinagar's old city, showcasing historic wooden architecture and a traditional bridge over the Jhelum River, under a tranquil, cloudy sky. The story of old Srinagar cannot be separated from the River Jhelum. Flowing through the historic city in a long, winding course, the river was once far more than a picturesque feature of the landscape. It was a highway, a commercial artery and an organising force around...

Floating Gardens of Dal Lake: Kashmir’s Ingenious Agricultural Heritage A solitary boatman navigates through the lush floating gardens of Dal Lakes. Dal Lake is usually encountered through images of colourful shikaras, intricately carved houseboats, lotus blossoms and the mountains surrounding Srinagar. Yet beyond this familiar landscape lies one of the lake’s most remarkable cultural traditions: its floating gardens. Known locally as Raad, these cultivated patches represent an extraordinary...