Srinagar, April 14 -- Kashmir once moved to the cadence of shared life, where gatherings gave people a sense of belonging and joy.

Weddings, harvests, and seasonal festivals brought neighbourhoods together, with music, storytelling, and folk performances turning ordinary days into memorable experiences.

Each occasion held meaning that went beyond celebration, providing a space where identity felt alive and deeply rooted.

Time has changed that connection. Many of those gatherings now appear only on staged platforms or official cultural events, where they feel distant from everyday life. Younger generations often view these traditions as outdated, with little effort made to present them as sources of pride or relevance. Cultural practice...