Kashmiri Pandits in Faridabad Celebrate Navreh, Keeping Heritage Alive Through Youth
Far from their ancestral homeland in the Valley, nearly 4,000 Kashmiri Pandits spent Sunday climbing hundreds of steps to reach the top of a hillock in Anangpur village, Faridabad. Here, a replica of Srinagar's sacred Hari Parbat stands as a poignant symbol of their roots. They gathered near the Mata Sharika Temple not only to mark the new year but to actively preserve a fading inheritance. For a community long separated from Kashmir, Navreh, the Kashmiri new year, represents a vital effort to ensure that what was left behind is not lost to time.
Traditional Rituals and Modern Celebrations
The morning of Navreh begins with a quiet, intimate ritual known as thal-barun, or the filling of a thali. Families gather to gaze into thalis carefully arranged with rice, fruits, flowers, salt, a book, pen, ink pot, traditional bread, a mirror, and an image of their deity. This practice, called thal vucchun or viewing of the thali, sets the tone for the day. Traditionally, people would then cook yellow rice, known as taher in Kashmiri, fill their samovars with kehwa, and spend the day on the slopes of Hari Parbat in Srinagar. They would munch on traditional snacks like nader monj (fried lotus stem) and gaer (water chestnuts), while singing praises of Sharika Devi and sharing joy at the arrival of a new year.
In the present day, this same spirit finds vibrant expression in a day-long cultural gathering organized annually by the Kashmiri Sewak Samaj in Faridabad. The quiet of the morning gives way to music and performance, as young voices sing and guitars blend seamlessly with age-old traditions. Sudhir K Sopory, president of Kashmiri Sewak Samaj and former vice-chancellor of JNU, emphasized, "There is a concerted effort to keep Gen Z connected to their roots. The performers are generally young, and the platform is theirs."
Youth Take Center Stage in Cultural Revival
Traditional Kashmiri music remains at the heart of the celebration, but it is the younger generation that now takes center stage. The lyrics endure, even as the sarangi gives way to the guitar and the tumbaknaer to modern drums. The pitch is livelier, and while chhakri (folk music) continues to be popular, it is often reimagined through rock and fusion styles. Amal Magazine, a member of the Samaj, noted, "This has been organized since 1997. Of course, the scale of the event has changed. People start arriving early in the morning and keep coming through the day. It is a celebration with performances, food, and a space for the community to come together."
For many young Kashmiri Pandits in the NCR-Delhi region, this is the only Navreh they have ever known. Born far from the Valley, their understanding of Kashmir is often pieced together through stories, songs, and rituals passed down at home. On this day, these fragments come alive in a tangible, communal way. Kamakshi Bhan, 21, shared, "I grew up attending this event, and now I'm contributing as part of the youth." Another participant, Simran Bhat, added, "Our culture feels like it is fading, so it is up to the younger generation to keep it alive. Social media is helping, with more Kashmiri singers and dancers emerging."
Rediscovering Roots Through Performance and Food
Reflecting on the evolution of the platform, Sanjeev Raina Gautam, a mentor and chhakri performer, said, "We began about 11 years ago with a Kashmiri language talent hunt, which was challenging since many children were born and raised here. Today, we have a strong group of young performers." Among those taking the stage are young participants rediscovering their roots in diverse ways. Sharika explained, "I'm performing Bharatanatyam today. Events like these help me connect with my culture—from food to attire." For others, the connection has been nurtured within the home. Vanshika stated, "I started learning classical music in Class III and trained for five years. I was born in Jammu but grew up in NCR. Whatever Kashmiri I know is because of my family."
Food, as always, anchors memory and tradition. Stalls at the event offered a full Kashmiri spread through food partner MYFOJO, with the fragrance of kehwa mingling with the aroma of festive dishes. Conversations drifted easily between elders recalling celebrations at the foothills of Hari Parbat in Srinagar and children experiencing their own version of it in Faridabad.
The Deep Significance of Navreh
To fully grasp the depth of this day, one must return to its origins. Navreh, in Kashmiri, means 'new flame' or 'new spark,' a metaphor for renewal and new beginnings. It is believed that on this day in 3,076 BC, the first rays of the sun touched the sacred shrichakra atop the hill at Hari Parbat in Srinagar. This hill is revered as the abode of Goddess Sharika, or Haer as she is lovingly called, considered the primal mother deity in Kashmiri belief. Countless folk songs celebrate her, often depicting her as a bird watching over the land and its people. Kashmiri Pandits follow the Saptrishi Samvat calendar; this Navreh marked the transition from the year 5,101 to 5,102, symbolizing continuity and hope for the future.
