Situated along the verdant landscapes of Pulwama lies the serene hamlet of Sangerwani, where time seems to stand still resonating the echoes of tradition and heritage.
In this quaint village falling under Romeshi Range of Shopian Forest Division, the rhythm of life is dictated not by the hustle and bustle of modernity, but by the age-old customs and values that have been passed down through generations.
At the heart of Sangerwani’s charm is Namblan, a picturesque spot on the fringes of Pulwama, where nature’s beauty unfolds in all its glory.
Towering pine and fir trees sway gently in the breeze, while pristine water streams meander through vast undulating meadows, painting a picture-perfect scene that seems straight out of a postcard.
But beyond the natural splendour of Namblan lies a rich tapestry of tradition woven into the fabric of daily life.
In the village, housing scattered huts made of wooden logs and mud, the nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals find solace during the summer months, herding their cattle amidst the green pastures.
This is a scene straight out of a bygone era, where simplicity reigns supreme and the pace of life slows down to a gentle rhythm.
One cannot help but be captivated by the artistic prowess of the inhabitants of Namblan, as evidenced by the beautiful hand paintings adorning the mud huts. As narrated by the locals the art of wall painting has become a cherished tradition, passed down from generation to generation.
Each stroke of the brush tells a story, preserving the cultural heritage of Sangerwani for posterity.
As the sun sets over Namblan, the aroma of traditional Kashmiri delicacies fills the air, prepared with love and care over traditional chullas. Women weave intricate skull caps, a symbol of the Gujjar-Bakerwal tradition, while others gather around to share stories and laughter.
It is a scene of camaraderie and kinship, where bonds are forged over shared experiences and shared meals. But the commitment to tradition in Sangerwani village extends beyond its artistic endeavours.
The village proudly boasts of old-style rooftops, crafted from locally sourced wood, a testament to the craftsmanship of generations past. Despite the allure of modern architecture, residents like Noor u Din and Mohammad Ismail have chosen to preserve their ancestral homes, clinging to the values of simplicity and heritage.
As night falls, the echoes of prayers resonate from the two mosques nestled within Namblan, offering a spiritual experience that transcends time. And amidst it all, the hot sulphur spring of Tata Paani beckons weary travellers, offering solace and healing amid the beauty of nature.
But Sangerwani’s commitment to tradition is not limited to Namblan alone. In the verdant upper reaches of Pulwama, the tradition of making Gurues thrives in the tranquil hamlet of Pathra. Here, amidst huts made of mud and wooden logs, the women of the village continue to uphold the age-old practice with unwavering dedication.
Within the cozy confines of their mud huts, the women of Sangerwani rise early to begin the age-old process of churning butter-milk, a task undertaken with passion and dedication.
In a specially designated space within their homes, carefully carved out from larger rooms, the women diligently churn the milk collected over three days, adding a small amount of curd to initiate fermentation. With homemade wooden churners pulled by ropes, they whip the milk until butter separates, yielding the creamy Gurues that is enjoyed by the entire family.
For the residents of Sangerwani, Gurues is more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of tradition and heritage, cherished for its cooling properties and nutritional benefits. Used for rehydrating and aiding digestion, Gurues has long been hailed as a natural probiotic, rich in essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B12, and proteins.
