Kashmir’s Cultural Revival

Kashmiri Separatists Welcome International Tourists

Friday, 24 July 2009 19:52 Bismillah Geelani

The Indian controlled region of Kashmir usually makes headlines because of violent clashes between security forces and local separatist groups.

But the fertile valley is also an internationally renowned tourism destination.

Even though the violent clashes continue the tourism industry in the region is showing signs of recovery.

Around 4,000 tourists across the world are arriving in the valley every day.

As Bismillah Geelani reports, authorities are expecting the numbers to increase.

Saturday, 01 August 2009 17:04 Bismillah Geelani

Folk theater has been an integral part of Kashmiri culture for hundreds of years.

This art form however suffered heavily in recent years due a violent insurgency against India rule.

But now with the level of violence considerably declining, healthy trends have begun to emerge.

The region’s tourism industry has made major gains in recent months and now the once dying art of folk theatre is also showing signs of revival.

Bismillah Geelani has the story from Srinagar.