Shehjar

17/09/2025

Like many of my friends, I remain beholden to Kashmiri (Koshur) cuisine. For every feast or celebration (Saal), I have seen families create from a set of dishes and never go wrong in impressing guests. However, traditions are not only to be kept but need to be passed on to the next generation.
For that reason, I have been gifting the Koshur Saal book to all of my dear ones, especially youngsters. In an uncomplicated manner, it explains the ingredients and preparation, so that even first timers and novices come up with dishes that seem to have been crafted by experienced chefs.
For a couple of years however, the book was sold out and remained out of print. Imagine my joy, when I came to know that the latest vesion of the book is out and it is a hard-copy version with more recipes and color illustrations - Fit enough to be a family heirloom.
Florida based Chandramukhi Ganju ji is the author and she has the book available to buy online. Buy it for yourself and to gift. It will be forever favorite of anyone who receives it.
Capture treasures of Kashmiri cuisine in new Hardbound edition of Koshur Saal book by Chandra Ganju available at:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4EL4Q9PD8V6WJ
India Abroad review
https://www.newindiaabroad.com/.../ganju-captures...

Koshur Saal Returns in a Stunning 5th Edition: A Heritage Cookbook for the Global Kashmiri Diaspora The much anticipated 5th edition of Koshur Saal, the celebrated Pandit Kashmiri cookbook by Chandramukhi Ganju, is now available in a beautifully produced hardbound format. Printed on premium-quality....

12/08/2025

The new hardbound edition of Koshur Saal is here! A must-have treasure trove of authentic Kashmiri cuisine, this timeless book brings the rich flavors, traditions, and stories of Kashmir to your kitchen.

Discover the rich and flavorful treasures of Kashmiri Pandit cuisine in Ganju's book. Explore traditional recipes and culinary delights that showcase the essence of this unique culinary tradition.

22/04/2025

On April 22, 2025, a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow claimed 27 lives, with many more injured. Islamic Terrorists linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, took responsibility, targeting Hindus in a brutal assault.
The BJP government at the center needs to protect law abiding citizens. The armed forces need to act in Kashmir, Bengal and everywhere Hindus are being targeted just for their religion. Where the state governments and leaders are complicit, sack them and prosecute them for murder.
Otherwise this government needs to resign and make way for a government that is willing and able to. Enough is enough.

03/01/2025

We wish our readers a wonderful and blessed year 2025.

As we wrap up 2024, we do see more misses than hits from Shehjar. However, from its track record of about 18 years, and thousands of features contained in 109 Issues, Shehjar (www.shehjar.com) continues to stand as a beacon for cultural preservation, intellectual discourse, and community engagement. We expect that 2025 will be a year of inspiration and progress, with contributors and readers coming together to celebrate Kashmiri heritage and address contemporary issues that matter to us all.

Highlights of this first Issue of 2025

Shehjar brings forth a diverse range of articles that reflect the richness of our community. From in-depth explorations of cultural practices to thought-provoking commentary on current events, our contributors have captured the essence of Kashmiri identity and its global resonance.

In the latest issue, we are proud to feature the works of talented authors, including:

Deepak Ganju, whose “Forgotten Temples of Kashmir” feature shows our historical temples and their current state.

Dr. Shiben Kishen Raina, offers an English translation of a moving story by Late Sh. Bansi Lal Nirdosh.

Dr. Chaman Lal Raina shares his wisdom and knowledge while paying obeisance to Mata Durga.

These features, alongside those by respected authors including Dr. Abhinav Raina, Dr. Makhan Lal Babu, Col. Tej K. Tikoo, Dr. Tej K. Munshi and several others are reflective of our collective journey as a community.

A Vision for 2025

As we look forward to 2025, Shehjar is committed to growing as a platform that bridges tradition and modernity. Our goals for the coming year include:

Expanding Community Engagement: Introducing interactive virtual events such as panel discussions, storytelling sessions, and workshops to connect our global readership.

Encouraging New Voices: Actively inviting emerging writers to contribute, ensuring that Shehjar continues to reflect a broad spectrum of perspectives.

Strengthening Cultural Preservation: Publishing a series of articles dedicated to documenting Kashmiri art, folklore, and oral traditions.

Spotlighting Global Kashmiri Achievements: Highlighting the contributions of Kashmiri individuals and organizations making a difference worldwide.

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our authors and the unwavering support of our readers. You have been instrumental in making Shehjar not just a publication, but a cherished space for the Kashmiri diaspora to reconnect, reflect, and grow.

We invite you to be part of our journey into 2025. Whether through writing, sharing your feedback, or joining our upcoming initiatives, your participation ensures that Shehjar remains vibrant and meaningful.

Here’s to another year of celebrating our shared heritage and building a brighter, more connected future together.

Deepak Ganju and Arun Koul

To contribute to Shehjar, send your articles, a brief author bio, and a profile picture to [email protected].

Visit us at www.shehjar.com to read, share, and engage.

In our 35 years of trials and tribulations, the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community has seen little transformation in Kashmir Read more

09/04/2024

If you are a Kashmiri or have become curious about Kashmiri's Navreh celebrations after reading Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message, here is a short article which has some explanation.

I appreciate the theme of this write-up,beautifully written and nicely presented. Kashmiri Navreh is spiritual in content,with cultural settings.

09/04/2024

Navreh greetings to all and wishing all the very best during the Navratras and beyond. The Hindu new year starts with the advent of spring and with a period of prayer and fasting. There is a message here.
Please check this article about Navreh by Dr. Chaman La Raina.

The translation runs as: uchara VadanaRaktakshi Priya Vacha-MukhaDeva DineshvaraSurya DevataA word about Thaal NavrehNava Varsha Amavasya / Navreh MavasPanchang/ Nakshatra Patri/ Netch'u Pa't'uSata -Reshi-PalSapta RishiSyend'ur/ Sindoor

06/04/2024

https://youtu.be/XdWvirMwkps?si=6ugx7CntTSDYTv6p

Hindi Devotional Ram Bhajan: Bhajan: Mujh pe Itnee Kripa Bas Vidhata Kare, Raam Ka naam Hothon Pe aata Rahe Singer: Rajinder Kachroo

08/03/2024

Herath Mubarak te Poshte Saariney. Kashmiri Hindus do Watak Puja on the day. But do we know Watak Nath and Watuka? A must read.

“Shiva has drawn the plan of human destiny, Blessed with intellect and auspicious life. Shiva Ratri is the passion of devotee’s will To find rhythm in Shiva’s seed and syllable.”

22/01/2024

Dreams can become reality. Forever believe and forever fight for your beliefs. Wishing every reader of Shehjar the very best on this Ram Temple Pran Pratishta day.

22/01/2024

Jai Shri Ram. August 5, 2020 was Bhumi Pujan and Kartikeya Tanna had something to say. Let us celebrate Shri Ram's homecoming in the spirit of devotion.

But there is hope – and it begins with us. We can create a world of oneness and belonging – where we connect as mass-miracles of seven exoduses’ in the history of Kashmir. Read more

15/01/2024

Wishing everyone a blessed Makar Sankranti. Here is an article that explains the great significance of the day.

Astrologically, Makar Sankranti's significance is connected to the Hindu God Surya. The festival is dedicated to Bhagwan Surya and holds importance for purification rituals and spiritual journeys. | OpIndia News

08/01/2024

Deepak Ganju in Conversation with Congressional candidate Krystle Kaul