*Kupwara, Sep 09:Sufism may be best described as Islamic mysticism or asceticism, which through belief and practice helps Muslims attain nearness to Allah by way of direct personal experience of God.In continuation of the Mega Events and celebration of Jashn-E-Azadi a Guftagoo was conducted on the Syncretic Culture of Kashmir at MuqamShah Wali,Drugmulla on 09 Sep 2021. The program was a grand success with almost 800 people being witness to it .It comprised of a very healthy discussion on Sufism, Cultural traditions of Kashmir,Teachings of Syed Zati Shah Wali and the way ahead for a peaceful and syncretic culture in Kashmir.Noted and learned speakers in and around Kashmir were invited who gave very enlightening speech.The program’s highlight was the participation of the two panchayats of Muqam Shah Wali and their Sarpanch being on the forefront of the event.The event also had two powerful performances of Qawwali and Sufi singers from Kupwara. The event concluded with the vote of thanks by Sarpanch followed by refreshment for all audience. The Guftagoo touched upon various facets of Sufism and has left all in attendance to ponder upon how beautifully syncretic the Kasmiri culture is.The arrival of Sufism in Kashmir greatly impacted the society and polity of Kashmir. Moreover, Sufi saints in Kashmir while cementing the Islamic belief system in the valley worked assiduously to build a society that espoused the cause of inter-faith harmony. The rise of a pluralistic cultural order in the Kashmir Valley was a by-product of the positive influence of Sufi saints in Kashmir as the inherent eclecticism of Sufi practices within Kashmir richly influenced the lives of ordinary people in the Kashmir Valley. Thus, Sufism as an ideology promoted the creation of a composite culture in Kashmir.
