My City Khuiratta, azad kashmir
Khuiratta is a very nice place 160 kms east to Islamabad.
Its located in Kotli which is a district and main city of Azad Kashmir.very nice and worth seeing place. its most area consists of a valley which is named the Bannah valley. All basic needs of everyday life are provided, like electricity, telephone, hospitals and a good networks of roads throughout the whole valley.its most famous places are dhairy sahibzadian, sairi, manjwal, phalni, bhayyal, gayaen, karjai deehari bagh darbar mai toti and chattar.Literacy rate is very good in this town. There are so many government and private schools and colleges in the Khuiratta town. Government high school khuiratta , holy public college and school the Pasban academy khuiratta are much popular for their eduational level.

Khuiratta city, located near the control line between Indian occupied Kashmir and Azad Kashmir. It's at a distance of 25 kms from the Kotli City District of AJK. It's an easy approachable place. If you have landed in Islamabad. Then you can use rent a car or just go to peer Wadhai bus station and you will find commfortable small vans going to Khuiratta directly. You will reach the town in 3 hour and 30 minutes. It is not more than 160 kms journey but the whole journey is full of excitement and thrill. As the zig zag road is moving along the high mountaineous chain. It is a developing city, lies between tow big straight chains of mountains (east and on west side). This whole area is commonly called the Bannah Valley and Khuiratta is the business and commercial center of this valley. This place is worth seeing. You can easily find the hotels, restaurants, and other everyday needs of life. People of Khuiratta are very polite, civilized, and well-educated. There are many government and private schools, colleges, and hospitals.

Khoiratta lies 28Km South of Kotli. A vibrant town, at an elevation of 2570 meters above sea-level is most famous for the annual Vasakhi mela (spring festival). Thousands of people from the Kotli, other adjoining districts and even Pakistani & Indian Punjab flock to the festival in spring to watch sports, animal parades and horticultural displays. The nearby Banah is a beautiful area full of natural springs and waterfalls. At Bahees Naraha several springs emerge from the mountains. This was an important Hindu place of worship in ancient times. Close to Khoiratta are the Bagh Fatehpur and Bagh Sain Hazuri which are known for their natural beauty. Thousands of people flock to Mai-ka-Makam Shrine, a distance of 4Km from Khoiratta, to pay homage to Mai Toti Sahiba.

Kashmirs Wedding


INTRODUCTION

Kashmir is known as "Paradise on Earth", the land of beautiful valleys and snow-clad mountain peaks, stretching plains with flowerbeds and frizzy air. The Kashmiri society has more affinity with the societies of India rather than the other Himalayan people. Structurally, the society is complex and generally stratified and there is a caste system. There is an unique language adhered to the people i.e. the Kashmiri language. Kashmir has a different tradition altogether - the folk-lore, dress, traditions and cuisine. The people are warm and the families are close-knitted. The emphasis is on brotherhood and peace

.

MARRIAGE THROUGH THE AGES

Kashmir form a distinct cultural and ethnic group - effervescent, elaborate and easy-going yet. This characteristic trend is reflective in their marriages as well. It is the state perhaps with the maximum number of customs and rituals. And to be odd enough, these rituals are more of a enjoyable nature rather than the orthodox type. A Kashmiri marriage also gives opportunities to all the relatives to enjoy and participate in it substantially.

MATCH MAKING

For the Kashmir, matchmaking is a detailed procedure, wherein match is found by spreading the news that somebody wishes to marry off his daughter or son. Rishte (matches) start pouring in for the prospective bride or groom then. Matching of horoscopes (janam kundlis or teknis) is traditionally a necessity.

COSTUMES

Bridal Wear

The bridal dress is very elaborate for the Kashmiri girls. The bride has to wear a headwear, which consists of a long cap called Kalpush. The cap is folded two to three times and lined with either silk or cotton from inside A belt about two meters long and one-and-a-half meters wide, known as the Haligandun, with its loose ends embroidered, is tied to the waist of the bride.

Groom's Attire

Kashmiri groom usually wears a pheran and the waistband. Other add-ons include a sword at his waistband and local embroidered shoes (paazar) at feet. Custom has it that the groom's eldest paternal uncle (chacha) ties the turban for him, known as the gordastar with a golden thread called dov.

Valley of Kashmir

Neelum Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. The two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.

Athmuqam

Athmuqam is situated at a height of 1371m, it is the sub-divisional headquarters of the area. It is an attractive place known for its variety of fruit. All necessary facilities via bazaars, post offices, banks, hospitals, and telephone exchanges are present.

Neelum

At a distance of about 9 Km from Athmuqam, Neelum is situated on the right bank of the river Neelum at 1524m above sea level with fascinating scenery. The panoramic lush green valley is profound in fruit and wildlife.

Sharda

A breath-taking green spot at an altitude of 1981m. Shardi and Nardi are two mountain peaks overlooking the valley, reputedly named after legendary princess Sharda. It has a captivating landscape with numerous springs and hill-sides covered with trees. On the right bank, opposite Sharda, the Neelum is joined by the Surgan Nallah along which a track leads to Nurinar Pass and through it to the Kaghan Valley. Ruins of an old Buddhist University can also be found in Sharda.

Kel

A small valley situated at a height of 2097m. This is another picturesque place in the Neelum Valley. The Shounter Nallah joins river Neelum at this place and leads to Gilgit Agency (Northern Areas) over the Shandur at 4420m.