{"id":28280,"date":"2025-04-07T20:43:40","date_gmt":"2025-04-07T15:13:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medialit.in\/thevoices\/?p=28280"},"modified":"2025-04-07T20:43:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-07T15:13:41","slug":"shikara-shops-the-lifeline-of-kashmirs-tourism-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medialit.in\/thevoices\/shikara-shops-the-lifeline-of-kashmirs-tourism-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Shikara Shops \u2014 the Lifeline of Kashmir’s Tourism Economy"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Gar firdaus, bar roo-e-zameen ast,
\nHameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast”<\/strong><\/em><\/h4>\n

Amir Khusrau 1253 \u2013 1325 AD<\/strong><\/p>\n

If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The legendary Amir Khusrau would have little known that his lines would continue to resonate through centuries, describing the beautiful Kashmir, the paradise on earth. Bestowed with snow-capped mountains, apple-laden trees, thick oak and deodar forests, lush meadows, walnut<\/a> creations, and eternal beauty, Kashmir is akin to pristine natural <\/a>beauty.<\/a><\/p>\n

With the tourism season on the horizon, The Voices’ student reporter travels to the Jhelum-fed Dal Lake in Srinagar to capture the heart of the tourist experience \u2014 the Shikaras. <\/em>The Shikaras<\/em> of Kashmir enjoy the same status as Gondolas do in Venice.\u00a0Believed to have been introduced during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, the\u00a0<\/span>Shikaras<\/em> have evolved from being modes of transportation and fishing to the epicenter of the tourism-driven economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

The floating Shikara<\/em> market has something to offer to everyone. While many are familiar with the floating vegetable market that is operational every morning, there’s more to discover.<\/em> Throughout the day, tourists can explore various offerings on the Shikaras.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Locals using Shikara for transportation on the Dal Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A young man carries LPG cylinders on the Shikara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shikaras<\/em> have multiple uses, including general transportation. Usually, it can seat six people, with the driver paddling at the rear, but there are smaller ones, too. The Shikarawalas<\/em> elaborately decorate their Shikaras<\/em> with curtains to attract tourists. Some are made only for two people with a Shikarawala<\/em> rowing it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A Shikarawala allows you to adorn traditional attire and captures the moment in photographs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Shop owners enjoying a free moment as they wait for customers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Iconic Shikaras<\/em> \u2014 A Cultural Emblem of Kashmir<\/h3>\n

Initially a straightforward dug-out canoe, the Shikara<\/em> has developed into an intricately carved, gorgeous wooden vessel made from water-resistant Deodar wood. It was initially a mere means of transportation and fishing over the lakes of Dal, Wular, and Nigeen. It is now a representation of peace and beauty. The Shikara<\/em> is an indication of hospitality and tranquility on the Dal Lake.<\/p>\n

The Shikara<\/em> Union and the people of Kashmir have created a remarkable niche market. While enjoying the serene Shikara<\/em> ride on the calm waters of Dal Lake, one can shop for many items. Ranging from saffron, flowers, fruits, to silver jewelry and clothing.<\/p>\n

The most popular items are the seven GI tagged Kashmir handicrafts. These include Kani Shawl, Pashmina, Sozni, Papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, and Hand Knotted Carpets.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Grilled corn on sale in a Shikara on Dal Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A hot tea is being served to the tourist in a Shikara on Dal Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Fruits and fruit salad on sale in a Shikara on Dal Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The barbeque smoke allures the tourists and locals alike in the kebabs being sold on a Shikara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Delicacies such as tea, coffee, kehwa, fruit chaat, kebabs, roasted corn, steamed corn, and other keeps treats can be enjoyed while basking in the pristine beauty of Kashmir. These delicacies are especially delightful in the chilly weather.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Meena Bazaar located in Dal Lake, Srinagar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Shikaras docked at the Meena Bazaar on Dal Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

‘Meena Bazaar’ is a huge market located within the lake. Here, one can dock Shikaras<\/em> like one would park a car. You can then disembark and explore the stores, which sell beautiful clothes, artefacts, Papier-m\u00e2ch\u00e9, and dry fruits. After shopping, one can return to the Shikara<\/em> and continue enjoying the scenery. The Shikaras<\/em> with flowers and flower bouquets are a colourful sight against the green-blue water canvas.<\/p>\n

One can see people thoroughly enjoying this unique experience. A tourist from Maharashtra, Aditee, shared that the sheer variety of products on each of these small Shikaras<\/em> not only gives the comfort of easy shopping but also helps to hop from one place to another, an easier task.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A tourist checking the authenticity of Kesar (saffron) sold by a Shikarawala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Tourists bargain for the flowers with Shikarawala<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A Shikarawala explaining the details of the silver jewellery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shovran Singh, a first-time visitor to Srinagar, said everyone should come to Kashmir at least once and enjoy the Shikara ride.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Coffee on sale in a Shikara on Dal Lake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Shikara<\/em> owner, Yousouf, told The Voices that the peak tourist season, from April to June-July, is about to start. Here, one can see Dal Lake in full bloom. In spring and summer, the market is buzzing, and the vibrant flora and fauna enhance the beauty of Kashmir.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A Shikarawala puts his Shikara to rest after the sale<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A decorated Shikara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other Shikarawalas<\/em> also echo that people are seen in bright colours during summer\u2014the dress code changes with seasons.\u00a0Beautiful attire is on display, unlike the cold weather when people are bundled up in\u00a0Pherans –\u00a0<\/em>the warm traditional attire of the\u00a0Kashmiris,<\/em> most worn during the cold weather.<\/span>\u00a0They also carry Kangris,<\/em> earthen pots woven with wicker and filled with hot embers. It helps to keep the chill at bay. It is normally kept inside the Pheran<\/em>\u00a0or a blanket.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A family enjoying a Shikara ride on Dal Lake during the peak tourist season in April. Courtesy: Mir Aatif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A tourist lounging in a Shikara on Dal Lake during the peak tourist season in April. Courtesy: Mir Aatif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shopping is an integral part of any travel experience, and unique concepts like ‘Shikara<\/em> Shops’ add to the memory of the tour. We recommend you take time and explore the Dal Lake and the Shikara<\/em> market and enjoy the unique shopping experience that Srinagar offers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Shikaras, used daily by the locals to traverse Dal Lake, are lined up against the backdrop of a clear sky in April. Courtesy: Mir Aatif<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Copy Editor: Arunima Maharishi<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“Gar firdaus, bar roo-e-zameen ast, Hameen ast-o, hameen ast-o, hameen ast” Amir Khusrau 1253 \u2013 1325 AD If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here The legendary Amir Khusrau would have little known that his lines would continue to resonate through centuries, describing the beautiful Kashmir, the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":697,"featured_media":28469,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[260],"tags":[2966,2987,507,3163,3161,3165,80],"ppma_author":[2752],"class_list":{"0":"post-28280","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-photos","8":"tag-srinagar","9":"tag-dal-lake","10":"tag-kashmir","11":"tag-shikara","12":"tag-shikara-shops","13":"tag-shopping","14":"tag-travel"},"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nShikara Shops \u2014 the Lifeline of Kashmir's Tourism Economy - The Voices<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"On the Shikara Shops the most popular items are the seven GI tagged Kashmir handicrafts. 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