Has been several centuries, when Kashmir pictured that it has succeeded in becoming the crossroad of many cultures, ideas, and spiritual practices. At the center of this confluence comes Kashmiri Sufism: a mystical tradition that has been the cultural, religious, and musical core of the region for centuries.
Such a tradition would be one of the most relevant and lasting legacies of this spiritual path. And perhaps, among all such contributions, the one which has the greatest bearing and effect continues to be: Sufi music.
The Wanwan tradition has thus placed itself in the large ambit of world music discourse while it has been living away from being a regional feature. This revival and the global recognition of Kashmiri Sufi music can act as a beacon of hope for a region that has really seen suffering.
The Sufi song embraces a world torn by divisions; in solace, it makes one realize the common oneness of all humanity and invites the listener to the divine event that unites rather than divides and beyond the artificial boundaries of religion, politics, and identity.
The rediscovery and reenactment of the Kashmiri Sufi music can be a beacon in this highly agonized corner of the world. Music of Sufism reminds a much divided world that it’s all made of one thing-peace- a true oneness of being. This music invites the listeners to go over the fully artificial boundaries of religion, politics, and identity to reach for something greater, an experiencing divine that unites rather than divides.
Be one in the safe haven from the regions of divisions, and for the world’s humanity, into the unification of cored beings. This Music invites listeners to defy and break down the artificial barriers created by religion, politics, and identity, in order to experience something more profound-a divine experience that unites rather than separates.
The revival and recognition of the Kashmiri Sufi music can be a symbol of hope in such an excruciating world. Music of Sufism remains a reminder to a much divided world that everything is made of one-the core oneness of being.
