The Heartbeat of a Valley
Few places in the world possess a harmony as natural and spiritual as Azad Kashmir. Tucked away within the majestic Himalayas, the region is blessed with snow-covered peaks, crystal-clear rivers and a deep cultural heartbeat that flows through every village and valley.
For centuries, the people of Azad Kashmir have expressed their faith, emotions and collective memory through folk music and dance — a language that transcends words. From the soulful verses of Poetry like Saif Ul Malook and the spiritual depth of dervishes, to the joyful energy of Rouf, these art forms reflect the rhythm of life itself.
Each melody tells a story — of love and longing, of courage and contentment, of the relationship between humanity and the divine. Together, they form an unbroken chain linking the past to the present, carrying forward the wisdom and beauty of Kashmiri culture.
The Melodies of the Valley
Leepa – The Song of the People
Among the many folk traditions of Azad Kashmir, Leepa holds a special place. It is often described as “the music of the heart,” a poetic expression that captures both personal emotions and community experiences.
Performed during gatherings, weddings or evenings by the fire, Leepa songs narrate stories of love, loss, nature and faith. The lyrics are simple yet deeply meaningful, using imagery drawn from the mountains, rivers and seasons of the land.
Leepa music is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the rabab, sarangi, and dholak, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and sacred. The melodies are slow and graceful, allowing listeners to connect with the emotional essence of each word.
“When a Leepa song begins,” says Abdul Basit, Trustee of Kashmir Welfare Foundation, “you can feel the mountains breathe. It reminds us that our culture lives not in monuments, but in the songs and hearts of our people.”
Khakas – The Voice of Spiritual Devotion
If Leepa speaks to the heart, then Khakas speaks to the soul. Rooted in Sufi traditions, Khakas is a form of mystical folk music designed to awaken remembrance of Allah ﷻ.
The singers often perform in gatherings called mehfil-e-sama’, where the purpose is not entertainment but spiritual connection. The harmonium, tabla and handclaps accompany poetic verses that praise divine love and the unity of creation.
Listeners describe Khakas as transformative — the slow repetition of phrases, the rising and falling of voices, and the collective energy of remembrance create a state of sukoon (inner peace). It is a tradition that binds music and faith together, illustrating how the arts in Azad Kashmir are deeply intertwined with Islam.
Rouf – The Dance of Joy and Unity
Every culture has its dance of celebration. For Azad Kashmir, that dance is Rouf.
Performed by men during Eid, weddings and harvest festivals, Rouf is more than performance — it is participation. Dancers form circular groups and move in unison to the rhythmic beats of the dhol, clapping and stepping in time as the music builds.
In womens-only gatherings, the women wear bright pherans embroidered with colourful thread.. As the tempo rises, so does the joy — Rouf becomes a living symbol of community and gratitude.
Its origins date back centuries, believed to have evolved from rural harvest dances, yet its meaning remains timeless: celebration, togetherness and thankfulness for Allah’s blessings.
Traditional Instruments of Azad Kashmir
The soul of Kashmiri music lies in its instruments — each handcrafted, each carrying its own story.
Rabab – Made of wood and goat skin, the rabab produces a deep, resonant sound that serves as the foundation of most folk performances. Its soothing tones are often described as “echoes of the mountains.”
Sarangi – A bowed instrument with sympathetic strings, known for its emotional depth and ability to mirror the human voice. It’s used in both Leepa and Khakas to add texture and melancholy to the melodies.
Dholak – A double-headed drum played with hands, essential to Rouf and festive performances. The rhythm of the dholak embodies the heartbeat of Kashmiri gatherings.
Harmonium & Tabla – Introduced during later cultural exchanges, these instruments enriched the musical scale and rhythm of traditional performances, bridging classical and folk styles.
Flute (Bansuri) – A gentle wind instrument often used in Leepa to evoke nature — the sound of rivers, wind and birdsong.
Together, these instruments create the distinctive musical landscape of Azad Kashmir — where every performance feels like a conversation between earth, air and spirit.
Preserving a Living Heritage
While technology and modern lifestyles reshape the world, the people of Azad Kashmir remain committed to preserving their ancestral art forms. Folk music and dance continue to be performed in villages, schools and cultural festivals, ensuring that the rhythm of heritage remains alive.
Local organisations, including the Kashmir Welfare Foundation, play a key role in supporting artists and providing platforms for performances during community events. Educational programmes teach children about the meaning and history of Leepa, Khakas and Rouf, fostering pride in their roots.
Cultural festivals in Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Rawalakot have become annual celebrations where musicians and dancers gather to showcase their talent. These festivals not only preserve art but also strengthen social bonds and attract visitors who experience the spiritual side of Kashmir’s identity.
At a time when globalisation threatens traditional art, Azad Kashmir’s resilience offers hope. The songs, dances and instruments of the region remain symbols of harmony — between generations, faiths and landscapes.
Voices of the People
“Our music teaches patience, our dance teaches unity,” says Faiza Ali, a community volunteer from Bagh District.
“When we sing together, there is no rich or poor, no high or low. Only rhythm — and remembrance of Allah.”
These words reflect the true spirit of Kashmiri art. It is not about performance for fame, but about collective identity, gratitude and peace. In every note of Khakas and every step of Rouf lies the message of balance — between joy and humility, individuality and community, dunya and deen.
Support the Cultural Heritage of Azad Kashmir
At Kashmir Welfare Foundation, we believe cultural preservation is an act of service. By supporting local musicians, dancers and community educators, we keep the light of Kashmiri heritage burning bright for future generations.
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Together, we can ensure that the melodies of Leepa, the verses of Khakas, and the rhythm of Rouf continue to echo across the valleys of Kashmir — today and always.
The folk music and dance of Azad Kashmir are not relics of the past — they are living, breathing forms of devotion, memory and celebration. Each melody, each movement is a prayer, a story and a reflection of the human soul.
From the deep tones of the rabab to the joyous steps of Rouf, these art forms remind us that culture is not preserved in silence — it survives through participation.
By nurturing and protecting these traditions, Azad Kashmir honours its ancestors and inspires a new generation to cherish their identity with pride.
