DASTAAR OR HEADGEAR WAS A SYMBOL OF RESPECT IN KASHMRI SOCIETY

                                                                                     

                                  
   A GATHERING OF KASHMIRI PANDITS IN KASHMIR.

YEAR 1903 .

They are possibly engaged in singing some  Leela or  Bhajan  . A Dolak and Harmonium can also be seen . Even young children have a Pugrree or headgear or Dastaar on their heads . Dastaar used to be a  tradition , culture and a dress code in valley. Dastaar was s symbol of respect and dignity as well.

Dastaar  or Headgear was common to Muslims and  Pandits of kashmir. With the style and colour of one’s Dastaar , people would recognise the  Economic  status of the person  in the society .During  marriage time or functions  a colourful Dastaar was used  . A  White  Dastaar meant respect and dignity .

  In kashmiri society , A Father would  generally tell  his  grown up son or daughter ;

“ Dastaarus kareiziem Raetchh. Yenna Rubb  Mathhaa’humm”

                                                  Or

 “This Headgear  is my respect . Conduct yourself in such a way that this respect is  protected. Don’t ever put  this Pugrree or Dastaar to disrespect ”

And Prof. Hari Krishen Kaul wrote a wonderful satirical  kashmiri play DASTAAR for   Door Darshan. This popular play was  staged at Tagore Hall also .

Further  Dolki or Dolak and Harmonium  was in vogue in  kashmir in later part of  Nineteenth Century . Many Punjabi khatri families  in Srinagar city used Dolak  .  

Sadhus coming for Annual  Amarnath ji  yatra  to kashmir would always bring Dolak  for singing Bhajans during their Journey.

( Autar Mota )    

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