“Phiran” International Day, and an expression of solidarity.. Abed Siddique

In some parts of Indian-occupied Kashmir, which we refer to as “Occupied Kashmir”, last week, to highlight their culture and reject the demand of some Indian extremist organizations, this time as well this time. International Day of “Pheeran” was celebrated. According to the information available on various websites, “Pheeran” and Poots are the names of traditional clothes of Kashmiri men and women. Pheeran or Poots consists of two gowns (gowns) worn top and bottom. which are worn together for days. According to the informational website “Wikipedia”, traditional Kashmiri phirns and poots are foot length and this style was very popular until the late 19th century AD, which gradually declined thereafter. Decreased. Pihiran in its modern form is below the knees worn with suthan (a loose type of trousers). It is not mandatory to wear suthan with long pleats, it is up to the wearer to wear traditional underwear with long pleats as traditional pleats do not have chocks.
In 2018, for the first time, a Hindu extremist group, Bajrang Dal, called for a ban on ‘Phiran’, a traditional dress typical of Kashmir. Later in 2021, other extremist organizations also intensified this demand. These organizations claim that Pheran is a huge security risk in which militants hide bombs and grenades from one place to another. It was a well-thought-out conspiracy rumor and this claim has created tension in the region. A new discussion was sparked. In the local media of Occupied Kashmir and then on the social media, such pictures have also gone viral, in which it can be seen that the security personnel are searching more closely those people who are wearing Pheran. It is clear from the review of these pictures. It seems that the demand of these extremist organizations has the support of the government and there is no doubt that such a demand is not made by the extremist organizations of their own free will, but they get the full support of the “extremist” Indian government. Indian Prime Minister Narendra himself. In 2019, when protests were taking place across the country against the Citizenship Amendment Act and the NRC, Modi had also said during his address at a public meeting that “the protestors can be identified by their clothes.” “This was a clear gesture towards the Kashmiris who wear the traditional dress ‘Phiran’ to maintain their identity. However, not only Muslims were protesting against these laws, but Hindus and other people were also a part of this resistance. Since his target was apparently Muslims, Muslims were on the streets in large numbers. It was very surprising that the Prime Minister openly incited the majority against a minority. The Kashmiris also reacted strongly to this speech of the Indian Prime Minister and this protest is still going on in some form or the other.
“Phiran” also known as “Phiran” in Kashmir is the most important part of the culture of Jammu and Kashmir, earlier it may have been restricted to the Valley but now it is equally loved in Jammu as well. People in Chenab and Pir Panjal region use it without religion and caste discrimination. Old people, children, youth and women happily adorn it. In summer it is made of cotton and for winter it is made of woolen fabric.
As it is very cold in the majority areas of Occupied Kashmir, it is used more in winter because it is a warm and comfortable garment. Kangri is used under the blanket during snowfall and severe winters, which keeps the human body warm in extreme cold due to its specific heat.
Pheran is also worn in government offices in many parts of Occupied Kashmir. In 2018, the Valley Education Department issued a notification banning the use of “Phiran” in government education offices, but the government had to withdraw the notification shortly after due to public resistance.
According to the local media, the “International Pheran Day” was celebrated last Wednesday in front of the “Ghanta Ghar” in the historic Lal Chowk of Srinagar. This day has been celebrated for many years. The workers of the parties involved gathered wearing traditional Pheran and celebrated the International Pheran Day. Interestingly, it was observed that these people included not only Kashmiris but also people from outside the valley who expressed that “Pheran” is the whole of Kashmir. I am equally popular. These people also carried placards in their hands with slogans in support of their culture and against the propaganda of Indian extremist organizations. It was also a manifestation of “Phiran” as well as the unity of the people living in different parts of Kashmir and a great example of unity. On social media, Kashmiris living all over the world responded to Indian hatred by sharing pictures of themselves wearing “Phiran” and gave a message of solidarity with each other and staying connected with their culture, which is certainly a commendable move. We should do our best in such festivals to establish our identity. “Phiran” has truly become a Kashmiri identity and its demand is increasing worldwide.