Persistent melodic tune stuck in one's mind against their will
In the rhythm of stolen moments, I find a symphony echoing within me, a catastrophe's philharmonic resounding through my bones.
I traverse paddies whispering promises, drenched by the cicada's relentless chorus and the distant murmur of military convoys. The wind whispers secrets into my recorder, mingling with laughter, rustle, static, and distant helicopters. With each plod through the mud, I tread past a barbed wire barrier.
"Hold me," a voice whispers. "It's all right." We move forward, guided by Bismillah, uttering a prayer before each step.
But where am I now? I listen, straining to hear that quiet trace of myself at the threshold of a home. I hear the hush of a constellation of voices:
"You must stay."
"We shall plant the rest of the saplings tomorrow."
I catch snatters of Asalaam u alaykum, a greeting bearing the weight of a prayer, mingled with the babble of a child and the laughter that follows.
Finally, I step into the darkness, my own trace slowly fading behind me.
That night, I dreamt of walnut trees with sprawling roots. In the morning, I listen as my feet follow their ancient breaths.
But the harmony of my dream is shattered by the uprooting of thousands of apple trees, by explosions that echo through alpine forests, by ravens howling against the drone of military helicopters. I listen to a thousand forests burning, as the custodians of ruins demand growth, tourism, defense, connectivity, economic progress, roads, highways, railways, commerce, infrastructure, mining, and land acquisition.
And still, the verses of those who came before us whisper of their persecution, of their refusal, of their hunger and whispers, of their prayers and persistence, of their longing and their journey.
On a stairway, amid the remnants of broken things, I find the one whose name means eternal. She sings of insanity, of contamination, of our dispossession, of our land that's not ours since it belongs to those who'll come after us—a land that will blossom in our lifetime.
I stand at the edge of a song, listening to her silence, crossing the threshold.
The one whose name means eternal winnows rice in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 2013.
Uzma Falak
In examining the historical and cultural context of Kashmiri folk verses, several factors play a vital role:
- Historical Context: The Rajatarangini, a 12th-century historical chronicle, offers insight into Kashmir's rich history and cultural heritage, tracing the evolution of the region from ancient times to the mid-12th century[1].
- Political Context: The tumultuous history of Kashmir, particularly the accession to India in 1947 and the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, have had a significant impact on the themes and emotions expressed in folk verses[5].
- Cultural Context: The Kashmiri language and folklore have played a crucial role in preserving the cultural identity of the region. Despite efforts to promote Urdu, Kashmiri language and culture have retained their significance, often reflecting themes of resilience and cultural continuity[2].
- Religious Context: The influence of Sufism, as demonstrated in the Rishi order and Sufi traditions, has deeply affected local culture and spirituality, contributing to the distinctive cultural consciousness known as Kashmiriyat[4].
- Folk Music and Poetry: Kashmiri folk music represents a unique element within Pakistan's broader musical heritage, showcasing cultural exchange and Sufi influences, with themes often focusing on love, spirituality, and harmony[3].
These elements collectively contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Kashmiri folk verses, rooted in the region's historical and spiritual heritage.
In the midst of displacement, I find solace in the melodies of Kashmiri folk verses, reflecting the region's unique blend of history, culture, and spirituality.
Amidst the chaos of fashion-and-beauty trends and the latest books, I seek refuge in the timeless wisdom of the verses, reminding me of the eternal struggle and resilience of the people.
Entertainment might distract, but the harmony of Kashmiri folk verses resonates deeper, echoing the symphony of a people's journey, their lifestyle intertwined with the landscape they call home.
