I come from a small town called Mutthi in Jammu, where I was raised with the values of a humble middle-class family. My father left Kashmir during a turbulent time when thousands of Kashmiri Pandits faced forced displacement, losing their homes, livelihoods, and a strong sense of identity. Growing up in Delhi, I didn’t fully grasp my connection to the valley, yet its influence was woven into my life. Family conversations, summer holidays in Jammu, and attending weddings of my cousins kept that connection alive.

My first trip to Kashmir as a child left a profound impact. The beauty of the place was indescribable. Despite the unrest that lingered in the air, the natural grandeur of Kashmir captivated me, with landscapes that looked like they belonged on postcards. Photographs never seemed to capture the surreal, otherworldly charm of the valley.

Although we grew up away from our ancestral home, we’ve always found ways to stay connected to our roots. We searched for Kashmiri recipes, joined Kashmiri Pandit groups online, read Koshur Samachar, celebrated Shivratri with joy, danced to Bumbro Bumbro, and even shed tears watching emotional scenes like the temple scene on January 19 in Shikara. We held onto the traditions, the language, and the stories that linked us back to Kashmir.

One of my most cherished memories is learning the Kashmiri language to communicate with my grandmother, who didn’t speak Hindi or English. As I learned and began speaking with her in Kashmiri, I could see the joy in her eyes, bridging the gap between generations.

Traveling to Kashmir or any place with a unique dialect can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with local phrases. To make your journey to Kashmir more enjoyable and to help you communicate with the locals, here are a few Kashmiri phrases that may come in handy:

Vārakāra – Good luck
Use this to wish someone good fortune.

Toth – Apple of my eye
Often used by Kashmiri mothers for their children to show affection.

Kus Tavaan – What the hell
A commonly used expression when someone is frustrated or annoyed.

Hata Wayee – Aww
Used to express endearment or empathy, similar to how Toth is used.

Trath – Thunder
Often heard when someone is angry, as in the phrase “Trath pade.”

Azaab – Painfully
Used to express discomfort or when someone is in pain.

Tha Saa Wen – Let it be
Equivalent to the Hindi “chod do,” it conveys acceptance or resignation.

Phat Wagon – Useless
While wagon means eggplant (brinjal), Phat Wagon is used to describe something or someone as useless.

Maze Balayi – Lots of fun
A favorite phrase of mine, meaning an abundance of fun.

Tasruff – Possessed
A word commonly used by Kashmiris, meaning someone is captivated or “possessed” by something.

Enjoy learning and using these Kashmiri expressions!