Jammu Kashmir Food Music and Dance

Jammu and Kashmir is one of the popular tourist destinations of India known for its scenic beauty. Jammu and Kashmir cuisine and dance provide tourists a chance to know the rich cultural heritage of this destination.The scenic charm of Himalayas designated Jammu and Kashmir with the title of Paradise on Earth. It is the romantic destination of India where tourists come in large number to spend their vacations. The speckled charm of natural glamour steals the hearts of visitors who come here from across the globe. This wonderful destination is also renowned for its cuisine and dance. The Kashmiri cuisine has its own distinctive flavour which never fails to tantalize the taste buds of tourists. The food and cuisines of Kashmir are highly influenced by the cuisines of North India, Central Asia and Persia. The preparations and ingredients of Kashmiri cuisine varies from one social group to another. For example the food of Kashmiri pandits, is prepared with lots of oil, ghee, spices and yoghurt. The use of non-vegetarian ingredients is avoided because of their religious beliefs. While the foods of other communities are highly dominated by non-vegetarian ingredients and lots of spices. Mutton is the most notable ingredient in Kashmiri cuisine. Tourists can find more than 30 varieties of mutton based dishes. Though the non-vegetarian dishes are similar to the Muslim dishes but their tastes are different. Some of the most popular and most favoured non-vegetarian dishes are Chamani Qaliyan, Rogan Josh,  Shab Deg Kashmiri Yakhni,  Aab Gosht,  Matshgand,  Gushtaba and  Kabargah. Apart from the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes the desserts of Jammu and Kashmir have their own distinctive flavours.  Some of the lip smacking desserts of this place are Shufta, Sevaiyyan,  Phirni,  Shakar Pareh,  Panjeeri and  Kasaar. Kashmir Music and Dance reflects the charm of Jammu and Kashmir culture. It is another popular attraction which enthrals tourists during their Jammu and Kashmir tour. Some of the popular forms of Jammu and Kashmir dances are: The Hafiz Nagma of the Sufiana Kalam is one of the popular dance forms Surma is an interesting and emotional dance which depicts the fear of a newly married bride whose groom has gone in the war. Rouf is another popular dance which is performed by women in the spring season or during Eid or Ramzan. In this dance style a song is played in the background in the form of questions and answers. One group ask the question and the other group responds to it in a rhythmic way. Some of the other popular dances of Jammu and Kashmir are Dandaras, Dumhal and  Bacha Nagma.