Pheran, a tradition

In the past, as well as in the present times, ‘Pheran’ a traditional Kashmiri outfit, has become a target with some officials reportedly, asking people not to wear during their visit to the government offices. However, one fails to understand the need of such directives at a time when the Jammu and Kashmir government is claiming to have taken several steps to promote the traditions of the Union Territory. Pheran is a traditional dress, being used by the people of Kashmir to wear during winter season to keep themselves warm amid the bone-chilling cold. The Pheran in Chala-i-Kalan is a vital tool as the temperature goes down below the freezing point and even the water bodies freeze here. Amid the government’s measures to promote the traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, the harshest measures like ‘banning’ the traditional outfits are putting the question mark over the claims. A local NGO here has also come up with the support of the traditional outfit Tuesday and appealed the government to allow employees to wear Pheran at the offices. The government should take immediate action in this regard and ensure that the traditional outfits and other related things are not attacked in the future and people are allowed to go ahead with the traditions without any hindrance. There is a need to take concrete measures in this regard so that the officials are directed not make any such statement, which doesn’t suit the aspirations of the people.