By: Mushtaq Hurrra

Marvelled lanes and bylanes of old Srinagar city entwine a labyrinth to leave visitors in a state of awe and admiration. Elevated minarets and domes of mosques and shrines make silent renditions about piety, peace and religious fervour of the region. Visiting Shehri-Khaas ( Old Srinagar City ) is somewhat exploring the entire culture, customs, traditions and heritage of a civilization. Famed Vitasta bears witness to its centuries old glory, grandeur and elegance. Some marquee bridges across the Vaeth have earned eternity. Even most of the Mohallas of Shehri-Khaas have been baptized on these bridges.

Though rapid pace of urbanization and modernization has not spared the sui generis region of the city, yet, the reverence of its gloriously majestic past at display, swells up our chests with pride and joy, for being the custodians of the illustrious civilization. Aroma of dried spices and condiments, redolence of fresh and dried fruits, veneration of old houses of architectural marvels resembling Mughal and central Asian hues, serene tombs and shrines preserving our rich secular traditions, sophistication of arts and crafts exhibiting the eminence and ace of our adept artisans, purity of hearts brimming with warmth of cherished human values – Shehri-khaas manifests a saga of resilience, resistance and cultural legacy of more........

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