Melodies of Celebration: Exploring the Role of Wanvun in Kashmiri Marriage Ceremonies

For its scenic beauty, Kashmir is called the “Paradise on earth.” Its rich cultural heritage adds to its beauty and charm. Music is an essential part of Kashmir’s cultural legacy. A variety of songs are sung to adorn every celebration in Kashmir. There are different types of music in Kashmir, such as Wanvun, Rouf, Chhakar, Bachhi Nagma, Dhamaly, Lalnavun, Bhand Paethar, Ladishah, Leela, Sufiana Kalam etc. A number of books and articles have been written on Kashmiri music. This article focuses on wanvun associated with marriage ceremonies in Kashmir. It discusses the role of wanvun specific to various events and occasions of marriages in Kashmir. It also explores how the Wanvun sung in Kashmiri marriages not only reflect the joy and delight of the singers on these happy occasions but also how it depicts a variety of themes and ideas.