Srinagar, Mar 18: If you have scrolled through Instagram reels lately, the odds are that you have encountered the rhythmic tinkle of tiny ghungroos and a caption that reads, “Kashmiri chudiyan lene chale?” The phrase, accompanied by visuals of intricately designed golden bangles stacked with pastel glass discs, has catapulted a traditional Kashmiri craft into the spotlight as the must-have accessory for Eid ul-Fitr this year.
Across the Valley, from the bustling lanes of Srinagar’s downtown to the commercial centres of north Kashmir’s Sopore, Baramulla to other districts jewellery shops are witnessing an unprecedented rush. The object of desire? Colourful bangles adorned with small bells and chains, a contemporary take on the Kashmir’s rich ornamental history.
“The demand just exploded in the last two weeks,” says Zahoor Ahmad, who runs the famed Bahurani jewellery shop in Sopore. “Currently, these bangles are being paired with pastel-coloured raindrop glass bangles, designed to be stacked together. Their playful mix of colour, movement, and delicate embellishments has made them particularly appealing for festive styling.” He states that while the design draws inspiration from Kashmir’s long-standing jewellery traditions, the scale of the trend this year is unexpected he told Kashmir Convener.
What is perhaps even more surprising is the demographic driving the sales. “The most interesting part is that boys are thronging the shops to buy these colourful bangles for their loved ones. The rush is unexpected,” Ahmad added.
The trend, fuelled by viral social media content, has transcended borders. Be it in the Indian bazaars or abroad, the Kashmiri bangle is having a moment. In the Valley, every major market is stocked to meet the demand. The price point, ranging from Rs 250 to Rs 500 per set depending on the embellishments, makes them an affordable yet cherished addition to the Eid shopping list, according to Zubair, another shop owner in Srinagar.
For the young buyers, it is about more than just an accessory. “I kept seeing them on Instagram and thought they would look perfect with my Eid outfit this year,” said Samina, a mother of a Class 10 student, who picked up a set for her daughter. For Khushi, a college student who braved the markets after a spell of rain, the purchase was the real beginning of the festivities. “I was so excited for these bangles for two days. The rains delayed my plan, but today I didn’t wait. Believe me, my Eid begins now after purchasing these bangles.”
Faisal, who managed to secure a pair for his partner after days of trying, summed up the sentiment. “For two days, I was visiting jewellery shops, but the rush was too much. Aaj Maine subah hi entry mari (I went early in the morning today) and got these beautiful bangles for my love, so that this Eid has a special sparkle.”
Umar, who picked out a pair of transparent bangles for his fiancée, said, “It’s not about these bangles; it’s a feeling of love. When she wears them, she will remember me every second.”
Babbu Khan, who chose a rainbow-coloured set for his wife. “It may be a normal gift, it may not be expensive, but the feelings attached are beyond words. It is pure love. I can’t wait to see my wife wearing them on Eid.”
Hurmat, a design enthusiast, points to the cultural roots of the craze. “Kashmir has historically been known for intricate handcrafted ornaments. Skilled goldsmiths would create detailed metalwork with floral motifs and dangling elements. The tiny ghungroos we see on these bangles today are a direct echo of that aesthetic. This Eid, these bangles are the trend, and honestly, if I don’t follow it, my Eid might feel incomplete.”
With just days left for Eid ul-Fitr, shopkeepers across the Valley are keeping their displays prominently stacked with the colourful, bell-adorned bangles, hoping to cater to the last-minute rush. If the current frenzy is any indication, the sound of Kashmiri bangles will be the defining echo of Eid celebrations this year.
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