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An exhibition of Pashmina shawls featuring the verses and portraits of revered Kashmiri Sufi poetess Lal Ded has drawn visitors in Kashmir, offering a unique blend of the region's rich literary heritage, spiritual traditions and exquisite craftsmanship.
The first-of-its-kind exhibition brings together art and Pashmina, showcasing the timeless poetry and portraits of Lal Ded. Organised by renowned Jammu and Kashmir artist Masood Hussain in collaboration with MAQAAM, a heritage Pashmina manufacturing centre, the exhibition is being held on the banks of the Jhelum River and has attracted art and culture enthusiasts. The exhibition aims to familiarise the younger generation with Kashmir's literary and spiritual heritage while highlighting the contributions of prominent women mystic poets who played a significant role in spreading messages of love, harmony and unity beyond the boundaries of caste and creed. Lal Ded, also known as Lal-Leshwari, was a Kashmiri mystic associated with the Kashmir Shaivism school of Hindu philosophy. She is widely regarded as one of Kashmir's most influential spiritual poets and is credited with popularising a distinctive form of mystical poetry known as Vakh or Vatsun, meaning "speech". Lal-leshwari, commonly known as Lal Ded, was a Kashmiri mystic of the Kashmir Shaivism school of Hindu philosophy. She was the creator of the style of mystic poetry called vatsun or Vakhs, meaning "speech". For centuries, Lal Ded's poetry has remained an integral part of Kashmir's shared cultural heritage, reflecting the region's traditions of spiritual inquiry and communal harmony. Her verses continue to resonate with people across religious and social communities in the Kashmir Valley. Renowned artist Masood Hussain did tremendous work and made portraits of Lal Ded on expensive pashmina shawls, along with her verses on high-quality paper and fixed them on the walls. Renowned artist Masood Hussain has brought the poetess' legacy to life through portraits painted on Pashmina shawls, alongside her verses displayed on high-quality paper on the exhibition walls. The presentation combines the delicate craftsmanship of traditional Kashmiri Pashmina with the enduring appeal of Lal Ded's poetry. Visitors can explore her verses while viewing the portraits, experiencing an atmosphere that brings together artistic expression, spirituality and Kashmir's cultural traditions. Lal Ded's verses, locally known as 'Vaakh', remain particularly popular among women and continue to hold a significant place in the region's collective memory. The exhibition has also drawn women from diverse professional backgrounds, including those associated with higher education and the medical field, who have gathered to revisit the legacy of the revered poetess. (ANI)
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