Why in news?
A ban order barring officials from wearing pheran in north Kashmir’s Langate was withdrawn recently.
What is a Kashmiri pheran?
- Pheran is a traditional Kashmiri attire worn by men and women.
- It resembles a long loose coat or cloak.
- Traditionally made from wool or tweed and worn as protection from the winter, it is now also stitched from cotton for summer.
- Thw word could be derived from the Persian word for shirt, ‘perahan’, the Greek word ‘apron’ or even the Tajik word ‘peraband‘.
- The attire dates back to around the 15th century, when it was traditionally worn in bright colours.
- Kashmiris consider it an integral part of their culture and identity.
- The pheran is preferred attire to battle the cold.
Why was it banned?
- The order was originally meant for the state secretariat in Jammu and Kashmir.
- It prohibited officials from making official visits wearing a pheran and slippers.
- However, the zonal education officer (ZEO) in Langate, following the civil secretariat directive, issued an order last week banning the pheran in educational institutions.
What was people’s reaction to the ban?
- Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah uploaded pictures wearing a pheran to protest against the ban.
- An online campaign was started in favour of the pheran, garnering a massive response from netizens in Kashmir and abroad.
- Subsequently the order was withdrawn
Source: The Indian Express
