When we talk about Kashmir, it is "Terrorism" that comes to our mind most of the time. Even though the Government of India is trying hard to help the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory prosper, still there are a few things that we as Kashmiri People will have to take into hand to preserve the culture of Kashmir.

When we talk about Kashmir, one of the things that comes to our mind is the long clothes that people of Kashmir usually wear, which is also termed "Pheran".

Today we are going to discuss what Kashmiri People Wear (Kashmiri Dress), and how the overall dressing of Kashmiri People has changed over time.

Kashmiri Dress is usually defined as the dress code that people in the Kashmir region of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory wear. This may range from usual Pant Shirts to Pheran which is one of the most popular Kashmiri Dress.

Kashmiri Dress is widely known for their embroidery and intricate designs, which reflect the richness of the culture and landscape of the region. Most of the Kashmiri Dresses are made of wool, and silk designed with beautiful embroidery and cotton. 

As per Kashmiri Traditions, Poots, and Pherans are the most popular form of dress among both men and women with headgear, Tarang Belts of Pashmina, and colored scarf.

Pheran
Pheran or Phiran is a Kashmiri Dress for both males and females in Kashmiri Tradition.

The pheran consists of two gowns, one over the other. The traditional pheran extends to the feet, which was popular up to the late 19th century. However, a relatively modern variation of the pheran extends to below the knees, which is worn with a suthan inside (a loose form of shalwar).

I had seen my Grandfather wear pheran on traditional Kurta-Paijama, during winters. The traditional pheran does not have side slits.

In summer, pherans are made up of cotton, but in winter, the pherans are made of wool, covering and protecting the body from the cold, especially during snow. These dresses are used by Kashmiri People all around the world.

People used to keep "Kangir" inside the pheran and walk around in Kashmir. Some people who used to slip due to frozen ice used to get severe burns as well as Kangir would fall on them. Kangir is an earthen pot with burning coal inside women using wooden husks that were used in Kashmir to keep themselves hot during the winter season.

Modern Fashion
Modern trends saw a decline in the use of persons in favor of the shalwar kameez. However, there has been a revival in recent years as pherans have become part of modern fashion, and are worn by females in other areas of Kashmir as well. Kashmiri men are also wearing the pheran as a fashionable outfit. Combined with jeans, the pheran has made its way into the office world. The modern pheran is not as wide and long as the traditional ankle or knee-length version and sometimes has side slits. Fewer men are wearing the pheran with a shalwar. Modern pherans, known as Raglan Pherans are a hybrid of Western raglan coats and traditional Kashmiri dress.

Kashmiri Pandits Outside Kashmir Valley
As several Kashmiri Pandits have settled outside Kashmir Valley, therefore, most of them have now adjusted to the state and region-wise dress codes, but at home, I have seen people still wear Pheran and other Kashmiri Dresses on occasions and during winters as those are one of the best ways to protect from cold waves.

Having said that it is also sad because most of the Kashmiri Pandit families are not able to practice their traditions and wear Kashmiri Dresses because they are outside Jammu and Kashmir most of the time.

In the recent past, because of several Kashmir related movies, Kashmiri Pandit Youths have started observing their traditions and culture and have also started to again connect with their roots by accepting the Kashmiri Dresses. This has also made them come closer to their traditions and culture.