A Kashmiri donated the necklace of notes received at his wedding to help Iran.
A Kashmiri donated the necklace of notes received at his wedding to help Iran.

Iranians are already deeply moved by the help from Indians. When they learn that a Kashmiri has even donated the most special gift from his wedding, tears will well up in their eyes. Yes, a picture from a donation camp is heart-touching. Kashmiris have not only given precious jewelry and rupees, but have also given their shawls, clothes, cameras, and water jugs to Iran. However, the biggest gift is that wedding item which the bride and groom carefully preserve.

Yes, it is the garland of notes placed around the groom’s neck during the wedding, or what is called a ‘necklace of notes’. This is a tradition prevalent in both Hindu and Muslim communities. Where there is a tradition of the wedding party staying overnight, the groom is adorned with this garland in the courtyard the next day. The practice of the ‘Var Mala’ is now common in villages, but the garland of notes has been a tradition for decades. The groom is lovingly adorned with this necklace, which he keeps safe. It is the most important gift received from the in-laws. However, to help Iran, Kashmiris are donating even that.

The funds being raised in Kashmir to help Tehran have already reached crores. Unconfirmed reports claim it has reached anywhere from 50 crore to 100-200 crore in just 20 days. In an organized manner, the names of donors are being announced via microphone in different areas of Kashmir. People are being gathered at crossroads and auctions are being held.

The auction of a 50 paise coin donated by a five-year-old child surprised everyone. To encourage the child, people enthusiastically bid on it. Finally, the 50 paise coin was sold for 17 thousand rupees. All this money is being raised for Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s army is firing missiles at Israel with ‘Thank you people of India’ written on them.

With sincere appreciation for the support and solidarity of the esteemed people of India in providing humanitarian assistance through the Embassy’s bank account, we wish to inform you that, in response to your requests and in order to facilitate the process of aid delivery, this…

Kashmir

Kashmir is a region in the northern Indian subcontinent, renowned for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and often called “Paradise on Earth.” Historically, it has been a significant center of Hindu and Buddhist learning and later a prominent hub of Islamic culture under the Mughal Empire. Its modern history is marked by a longstanding territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, which has shaped its contemporary political status.

Iran

Iran, historically known as Persia, is a country in Western Asia with one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, dating back to the Elamite kingdoms of the 4th millennium BCE. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ceremonial capital of Persepolis and the stunning Islamic architecture of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square. The nation’s rich cultural heritage reflects the influence of successive empires, such as the Achaemenid, Sassanid, and Safavid, and its deep history in art, poetry, and science.

India

India is a vast South Asian country with one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, dating back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley. Its long and complex history is marked by the rise of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, successive empires, Mughal rule, and British colonization before gaining independence in 1947. Today, it is a densely populated and diverse republic renowned for its rich cultural heritage, myriad languages, and historic sites like the Taj Mahal.

Tehran

Tehran is the capital and largest city of Iran, officially becoming the national capital in 1796 under the Qajar dynasty. Today, it is a major political and economic center, home to significant modern landmarks like the Azadi Tower and cultural sites such as the opulent Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 19th century.

Israel

Israel is a country in the Middle East, established as a modern state in 1948, with historical and religious roots stretching back millennia as the ancient homeland of the Jewish people. It is a central location for major world religions, containing sacred sites such as Jerusalem’s Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Its complex history involves ancient kingdoms, foreign rule, and ongoing geopolitical significance.

Hindu

“Hindu” is not a specific place or cultural site, but refers to the diverse traditions, beliefs, and practices of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions originating in the Indian subcontinent. Its history spans over 4,000 years, evolving from ancient Vedic traditions and encompassing a vast array of philosophies, deities, scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads, and cultural practices. Major associated cultural sites include temples like Angkor Wat (Cambodia), the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (India), and pilgrimage centers along rivers such as the Ganges.

Muslim

“Muslim” refers not to a single place but to a global religious and cultural community centered around Islam, which originated in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula through the revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad. This faith and its diverse cultural expressions have since shaped civilizations across continents, with key historical sites including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Var Mala

“Var Mala” is a historic hill and cultural site located in the town of Kuldīga, Latvia. It is known for its ancient castle ruins, originally built by the Livonian Order in the 13th century, which played a strategic role in the region’s medieval history. Today, it is a popular scenic viewpoint overlooking the Venta River and the old town of Kuldīga.