1 minute read
DYING ART AND CULTURE OF PADDAR
By Paddar Machail
traditionally very rich. In fact, every micro region of the valley was richly endowed with its unique traditions. Whether it be performing arts or woodworks, metal casting or dying, handicraft or embroidery, the range was varied and most forms had a highly developed theoretical basis. They were also living traditions which became a way of life for those involved .These traditions were not just a performance, but the individual’s entire life and livelihood revolved around these traditions.
Advertisement
Once” Majnu Bhai” a local farmer from Paddar approached the then Maharaja Partap Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in his royal court to request the king for exemption from Ghaascharai tax, a local tax paid during that time for cattle grazing. The Maharaja wanted to know about their hard life from Majnu Bhai. When Majnu Bhai explained about daily life and hardships of inhabitants of Paddar , the Maharaja was so surprised about their hard life and asked how they managed their livelihood. He asked how many people are here in Paddar, the answer was 500. Then he asked how many people are labourers, and the answer was again 500.When asked about how many are cobblers, the answer was surprisingly again 500.When the Maharaja wanted to know about the total number of tailors, the answer was again 500 and so on . It means Paddris ( inhabitants of Paddar) were experts in every fields of arts and crafts and managed their livelihood from local traditional technologies. The Maharaja was so pleased with the answer given by Majnu Bhai and the Maharaja exempted the said tax of Ghaascharai.
Origin of the Word Losar
The word Losar is basically a Tibetan word comprised of two words ‘Lo’ and ‘Sar’. Lo means year and Sar means new. Losar is considered to be the most important festival in all the Buddhist belonging villages of Paddar valley. It is an important social and religious celebration. It is a week-long traditional festival which begins with the illumination of religious places (Gompas) and residential places. Traditionally the festival is celebrated to mark the beginning of New Year. ‘Losar’ falls every year in the month of December- January.
