In this exclusive travelogue segment, actress Zareen Khan shares her travelogues from the seductive calm of Kashmir with The Pioneer. Zareen Khan was there in the magnificent valleys of Kashmir!
SHIKHA DUGGAL
Actress Zareen Khan considered Kashmir, which is tucked away in the Himalayas, to be a cultural treasure trove in addition to a stunning geographical wonder.
She was encouraged to discover mosaics weaved with a variety of customs, heartfelt music, and delicious cuisine on her most recent journey to Kashmir.
She made it to our travelogue because every detail, from the colourful celebrations to the exquisite handicrafts, captured the timeless essence of Veer fame and made her treasure its rich legacy amid the beautiful beauty of its landscapes.
“Kashmir is not only breathtakingly gorgeous, but it’s also deeply spiritual. I had a very soulful experience there. I visited a variety of locations in Kashmir, and every single one of them left me in awe of its amazing beauty. To me, every second seemed like a dream! I was genuinely awakening to an act of divine painting,” recalls Zareen.
She could see how the people of Kashmir, despite their race, religion, and language, contributed to the unique character of Kashmiri society. “Their culture is still very much alive,” she continues, promoting the same conversation. “It shows in their clothing, food, and dwellings. I noticed a lot of homes with only wooden floors! Not only do they have handwoven carpets and wooden frameworks, but every Kashmiri, regardless of wealth, has a garden with blossoming apple and cherry trees! What more could I want for?”
Regarding the cuisine, she remembers, “Meat dominated my plate a lot. Even though Muslims make up the majority of the population, I observed that everyone there also enjoyed their vegetarianism. Especially lotus stem-based meals! There, saag is highly popular, and stalls selling makki ki roti and sarson ka saag are all over the place. The other specialty was Kashmiri wazwan, which I had there as a sumptuous feast.”
She observed, too, how Kashmiris embodied a cultural identity firmly anchored in the magnificence of their past.
The people of Kashmir still preserve their rituals, carry on ancient traditions, and exhibit an amazing sense of oneness. She participated in customary events, took part in group feasts, and observed her own observances. Zareen Khan was content amid the picturesque valleys! “Not only did the people of Kashmir welcome me into their homes, but their hearts as well. I felt so bonded to them in such a short amount of time. They truly went above and beyond to ensure my comfort,” she explains now.
Zareen was blessed by a special kind of hospitality, where every effort was made to make sure she was comfortable and well cared for. The lavish feasts of Wazwan, which were served to Zareen with the utmost love and care, mirrored this tradition as observed by her and fostered a sense of delight among the community.
Another quote from Housefull 2 fame was, “The rivers and streams are the major part of Kashmir. Everyone is aware of Dal Lake! Like everyone else, I was enthralled by the experience of riding a shikara in the same lake. It was a picturesque sight to see how the rivers flowed from the snow-covered mountains that encircle the lake. Everything about it felt surreal, even while you are travelling over these mountains, particularly at Pahalgam. I found it impossible to resist dipping my feet into the freezing water. Videos and images also fall short of capturing the reality of what I went through in real time!”
“You should book your stay well in advance because Kashmir is always buzzing with tourism,” the Jatt James Bond fame added. “Since this is Kashmir, most of the hotels have breathtaking views. In regards to myself, I had reserved a rental villa. My goal when travelling is to experience the destination rather than the hotel; I don’t always choose to stay at five-star establishments. It seems incomprehensible to me to spend money on upscale hotels when travelling.”
“Travelling is very therapeutic to me,” she continues. “If I have a lot of free time, I love to go to the northern parts of the country to release my stress. If not, I can take my pals on a road trip to Goa! My preference is either Pawna Lake or Lonavala; I just want to feel wonderful.” Conversely, “I was feeling a little down about my personal life when I took this trip on my birthday, so it was actually quite liberating for me. On my birthday, I just wanted to leave Mumbai and not feel depressed! Kashmir proved to be beneficial as the breathtaking scenery made my troubles seem insignificant. Still, I missed my buddies in Kashmir!”
“Houseboats were the special attractions for me,” she couldn’t help but say. “Without a doubt, I would return to Kashmir. I adore Sara Ali Khan’s travel videos; therefore, if I had to choose one fraternity member to travel with, it would be her. She strikes me as an adventurer who isn’t too picky when she travels! I adore that she doesn’t restrict her travels to staying at opulent properties.”