Kashmir to observe Lal Ded’s birth anniversary today

Srinagar, Aug 30: The birth anniversary of Lal Ded, also known as Lalleshwari or Lalla Arifa, the great 14th-century Kashmiri mystic poetess and saint will be observed across Kashmir today (August 31).A statement issued here read that Lal Ded occupies a unique place in the cultural, spiritual, and literary history of Kashmir. Her verses, known as “Vakh” (utterances), have endured through centuries and continue to shape Kashmiri identity, mysticism, and spirituality. Lal Ded’s Vakhs are short, pithy, and full of mystical depth. They combine the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism with a spiritual universalism that resonated equally with Hindus and Muslims. She spoke of the futility of external rituals, the necessity of inner awakening, and the union of the human soul with the divine.“Some of her central themes include self-realisation, mystical unity, asceticism, and compassion. She broke caste and gender barriers, presenting a vision of spirituality open to all. Her teachings profoundly influenced Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (Nund Rishi), the founder of Reshism in Kashmir, who regarded her as his spiritual preceptor. This reflects her role as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim spiritual synthesis,” the statement said. “Lal Ded is considered the first great poet of Kashmiri language. Her Vakhs, transmitted orally for centuries, became the foundation of Kashmiri literature. Their simplicity, musical rhythm, and philosophical depth made them accessible to common people while retaining profound spiritual meaning. Her work is often seen as the earliest manifestation of Kashmiri Shaivite-Sufi poetic tradition, paving the way for later poets like Habba Khatoon and Sheikh-ul-Alam (Nund Rishi).”The statement further said that Lal Ded is revered both as a saint and a poet. To Hindus, she is Lalleshwari, an incarnation of Parvati and a Shaivite mystic. “To Muslims, she is Lal Arifa, a woman saint whose vision aligned with Sufi ideals. This dual reverence makes her a unifying figure in Kashmiri spiritual heritage,” it said, adding that on August 31, Kashmiri scholars, poets, cultural organisations, and devotees commemorate Lal Ded’s life and teachings. Seminars, recitations of her Vakhs, and discussions are held to keep alive her message of peace, harmony, and spiritual awakening. Her anniversary is not just a remembrance of a poetess, but a celebration of Kashmir’s composite culture—a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and mysticism.