Latest news with #Kashmiriyat
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian tourism: Creating authentic experiences, empowering local communities and supporting economies
The Indian tourism and hospitality industry is experiencing a shift towards a digitally empowered ecosystem and recent technological innovations. The evolution of authentic cultural immersion has significantly transformed the tourism sector in India. It has brought visitors closer to the country's diverse culture while empowering the communities that help preserve it. This move has influenced the hotel industry and has directly helped local communities. Earlier seen as a list of famous landmarks and limited tourist attractions, in recent years Indian tourism has witnessed a significant shift with tourists seeking local regional experiences and meaningful community engagements. This has led to industry practitioners, including hotels, to develop an innovative and resilient ecosystem of creating authentic experiences, empowering local communities and supporting economies. Advt Advt The cultural storytelling by hotels often starts with the hotel building — the architectural style, the materials used, the design elements incorporated all reflect the local culture, traditions, ensuring that the hotel blends with and is in harmony with the local infrastructure and is not an eyesore. As an example hotels in Rajasthan mirror the grandeur of the State's legacy of palaces, forts and havelis. Local materials like sandstone are used extensively, traditional arches, domes are an integral part of the hotel structure. The hotel interiors often feature intricate murals and handicrafts from local artisans, reflecting the region's rich craft hotels in Kashmir like the Radisson Collection Hotel & Spa, Riverfront Srinagar, brings Kashmir's artistic legacy alive with star-patterned jali screens, walnut wood furniture, papier-mâché motifs, and shawl embroidery-inspired inspired interiors create an immersive expression of Kashmiriyat in a modern luxury create new opportunities for rural communities, as travelers seek to bring home a piece of their travel experiences. They have been instruments in revitalizing the art of local artisans, whether it is the silk weavers in Varanasi, tribal artists in Madhya Pradesh, and tea cultivators in the northeastern regions. Hotels host artisan pop-ups or in-lobby showcases featuring local weavers, potters, and craftspeople, helping travelers discover India's handmade legacy firsthand. Hotels have always featured and organized daily performances of local dances for guests, local musicians and music plays in hotel restaurants, lobbies and events.. In select properties, staff uniforms and welcome rituals also reflect regional influences- The welcome drink, traditions like rangoli, welcome gifts ,garlands all speak of the local like the shikarawalas on Dal Lake and many such communities thrive on F&B menus in hotels feature regionally curated menus are often led by local chefs to offer guests authentic culinary journeys, while also sourcing local seasonal ingredients, supporting organic farming communities, and reviving lost recipes in their Hotels in Uttar Pradesh Awadhi and Mughlai delicacies take the center stage; in the South, coastal specialties are championed through chef-driven seasonal policies and promotions such as Vibrant Villages, Swadesh Darshan, Make in India, Vocal for Local have given further momentum to hotels that have always focused on sustainability and the three Ps in their bottom line – People, Planet and Profit. Hotels in India continue to source local art forms, ingredients, and handicrafts to enhance their services and promote the artistic heritage and local platforms have emerged as a powerful medium for local artisans to showcase their skills and creativity. This content has accelerated the wave of experiential tourism prompting tourists to indulge in local art forms and handicrafts. For example, the weavers of Pochampalli are leveraging Instagram to showcase their intricacies on Ikat fabrics. Similarly, Kerala artisans have quietly crafted the carpet of the iconic Met Gala which has received a lot of attention and praises on social media. These real stories spark the urge in young travelers to explore the unexplored potential of Indian art and craft. Social media is acting as a bridge for local artisans to connect with global as well as domestic travelers and enabling them to grow economically. This has lent strength to the efforts of the hotels in promotion of local art, crafts, cuisine, festivals, culture, traditions and practicesTravel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India ranks 39th among 119 countries, underscoring India's moment of being a sizable tourism destination. As India's tourism industry stands at the forefront of being a key contributor in economic growth , the hospitality industry share has been the evolving landscape of the Indian tourism sector, the hospitality sector is also adding more experiences rather than services, increasing its engagement with the local communities, sourcing locally largely and supporting the businesses and economies of the region in which they are author, K.B. Kachru is president, Hotel Association of India and chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of ET HospitalityWorld. By , ETHospitalityWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETHospitalityWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETHospitalityWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles.
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India.com
07-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan Is Terrorist Nation And Wants To Derail Situation In Kashmir: LG Manoj Sinha
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, speaking at a religious function in Larkipora Aishmuqam, Anantnag, today accused Pakistan of attempting to derail the region's development and sow discord among communities. He labelled Pakistan a 'terrorist country' intent on undoing the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, specifically citing the recent Pahalgam attack. Addressing the gathering, Sinha said, 'Pakistan is a terrorist country and is attempting to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir by derailing its development and creating communal rifts.' Referring to the Pahalgam attack, he said it is a recent example of Pakistan's efforts to disrupt peace and progress in the region. He urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to remain united to counter Pakistan's 'nefarious designs,' maintain communal harmony, and cooperate with the police and security forces to ensure peace and resist terrorism. He emphasised that India is committed to ensuring justice for the victims of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Sinha highlighted the development achieved in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, contrasting it with Pakistan's role in fostering violence. He also noted India's significant economic progress on the global stage. Referring to the annual worship of Maa Siddhalakshmi, the Amarnath Yatra and Muharram, the Lieutenant Governor said that these events provide an opportunity to spread awareness about the spiritual heritage of Kashmir, which promotes tolerance and acceptance of all religious traditions, viewing them as different paths leading to the same ultimate truth. 'We should spread the message of compassion, selflessness, and the divinity inherent in all beings. We must encourage our youth to treat everyone with respect and dedicate themselves to building a just and humane society,' he added. The Lieutenant Governor also noted that there is a festive atmosphere throughout Kashmir today. Devotees of Baba Amarnath have arrived, Muharram was observed just yesterday, and today marks the worship of Mata Siddhalakshmi. 'This is Kashmiriyat, where everyone participates in each other's festivals and supports one another. It reflects the restoration of a peaceful and joyous environment in Kashmir,' he said.
India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
First Kashmiri-Kannada film 'Harmukh' captivates audience in Srinagar
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 26 (ANI): In a significant moment for regional cinema and cultural dialogue, the premiere of 'Harmukh', the first film blending Kashmiri and Kannada languages, was held at INOX cinema in Srinagar to an enthusiastic and packed audience. The screening drew local filmmakers, artists, students, and cinema enthusiasts, signalling a renewed public interest in storytelling through cinema in Kashmir. The film, named after the revered Harmukh mountain, aims to bridge linguistic and cultural divides through a narrative rooted in themes of identity, love, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of Kashmir's scenic landscapes and informed by the narrative richness of Karnataka, 'Harmukh' presents a layered exploration of Kashmiriyat, the centuries-old legacy of communal harmony in the valley. Attendees described the event as more than a film launch; many viewed it as a symbolic step toward cultural restoration in a region where cinema had largely faded over the past three decades. Organisers of the event stressed that 'Harmukh' was not merely a cinematic release but a platform for dialogue between North and South Indian cultures. The film also serves as an encouragement to the youth in Kashmir to pursue filmmaking as a meaningful form of self-expression. Waseem Khan, a local attendee, emphasised the film's cultural significance, and said, 'This is the second film this year in Kashmiri after a long cultural silence. A film combining Kannada and Kashmiri is a great initiative. I would tell people -- come and watch it. You won't be disappointed.' The audience responded warmly to the film's portrayal of Kashmiri traditions, its use of local actors, including Aya Sharif, and the commitment to showcasing cultural unity. (ANI)
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
First Kashmiri-Kannada film 'Harmukh' captivates audience in Srinagar
In a significant moment for regional cinema and cultural dialogue, the premiere of 'Harmukh', the first film blending Kashmiri and Kannada languages, was held at INOX cinema in Srinagar to an enthusiastic and packed audience. The screening drew local filmmakers, artists, students, and cinema enthusiasts, signalling a renewed public interest in storytelling through cinema in Kashmir. The film, named after the revered Harmukh mountain, aims to bridge linguistic and cultural divides through a narrative rooted in themes of identity, love, and resilience. Set against the backdrop of Kashmir's scenic landscapes and informed by the narrative richness of Karnataka, 'Harmukh' presents a layered exploration of Kashmiriyat, the centuries-old legacy of communal harmony in the valley. Attendees described the event as more than a film launch; many viewed it as a symbolic step toward cultural restoration in a region where cinema had largely faded over the past three decades. Organisers of the event stressed that 'Harmukh' was not merely a cinematic release but a platform for dialogue between North and South Indian cultures. The film also serves as an encouragement to the youth in Kashmir to pursue filmmaking as a meaningful form of self-expression. Waseem Khan, a local attendee, emphasised the film's cultural significance, and said, "This is the second film this year in Kashmiri after a long cultural silence. A film combining Kannada and Kashmiri is a great initiative. I would tell people -- come and watch it. You won't be disappointed." The audience responded warmly to the film's portrayal of Kashmiri traditions, its use of local actors, including Aya Sharif, and the commitment to showcasing cultural unity.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kashmir 1989–90: Veterans call for reckoning over state failures & forgotten exodus
1 2 With Pic Times News Network Chandigarh: The Kashmir insurgency of 1989–90 remains one of the most turbulent and tragic episodes in India's contemporary history. It was not merely the rise of an armed rebellion—it signified a complete breakdown of state authority, intelligence apparatus, and moral leadership. These views were expressed on Saturday at a literary event held at the Chandigarh Press Club, where key voices from the military and strategic community came together to reflect on these defining events and the enduring lessons they offer. General V P Malik (retd), former Chief of the Army Staff, questioned the deeper systemic failures that led to the Valley's implosion. "Why did the law and order and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir collapse so completely in 1990?" he asked. "How did the culture of Kashmiriyat—rooted in peaceful coexistence—get overtaken by militant Islamist ideology?" Gen. Malik emphasized the need to study the past to safeguard the future, noting that the Kashmir crisis carries significant lessons for today's policymakers. Former army chief also spoke about deep necked corruption in the Jammu and Kashmir administration/government at that time. Col Daljeet Singh Cheema, author and motivational speaker, traced the insurgency to Pakistan's long-standing refusal to accept the terms of Partition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo He argued that after suffering a decisive defeat in the 1971 war, Pakistan shifted its strategy, adopting General Zia-ul-Haq's doctrine of "Bleed India with a thousand cuts"—a strategy that fuels insurgency through proxy warfare and religious radicalization. "An Islamic state that believes it can rely solely on Allah and its Army, and sees its faith as superior, will not change its policy easily," Col. Cheema warned. The event marked the formal launch of a book on Kashmir Insurgency authored by Colonel Yoginder Kandhari (retd). Drawing from firsthand experiences, RTI disclosures, and interviews with key stakeholders, Kandhari's work offers a hard-hitting account of how institutional silence, media inaction, and policy paralysis contributed to one of modern India's most successful campaigns of ethnic cleansing—the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Col Charan Jeev Singh (retd) further highlighted the administrative collapse and the conspicuous absence of timely state response. Veterans, including Col Jagdeep Singh (retd), also shared personal insights, emotional and strategic costs of those years.
