Kandizal Awantipora

Description

Introduction to kandizal Awantipora

On the banks of the winding Jhelum River, Kandizal village is located 1 km away from the main town of Awantipora in the Pulwama district. Kandizal is a quiet village of farmers and laborers, nestled in the embrace of an acute-angled curve of the meandering river. It is a very underdeveloped village in terms of facilities. With a sparse population of about 45 households, Kandizal is accessible in two ways: via a patch of rickety road cutting through paddy fields from the old Pampore-Shopian highway or through a locally arranged free boat service from the Galandhar side. Villagers and visitors mostly prefer the shorter boat ride.

Population and Urbanisation

According to Census 2011 information the location code or village code of Kandizal village is 003097. Kandizal village is located in Pulwama tehsil of Pulwama district in Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is situated 6km away from Pulwama, which is both district & sub-district headquarter of Kandizal village. As per 2009 stats, Marwal is the gram panchayat of Kandizal village.

The total geographical area of village is 121.4 hectares. Kandizal has a total population of 1,247 peoples, out of which male population is 623 while female population is 624. Literacy rate of kandizal village is 45.07% out of which 51.36% males and 38.78% females are literate. There are about 174 houses in kandizal village.

Pampore is nearest town to kandizal village for all major economic activities, which is approximately 2km away.

Cultural Heritage of the Village

Cultural music and dance, such as Wanwun and Roaff, as well as traditional crafts like carpet and shawl weaving (Kaleenbafi) and Koshur Sufiana, are integral parts of the village's cultural heritage.

Awantipora is famous for its ancient temple site The Avantiswami Temple is an ancient ruined Hindu temple located on the banks of the Jhelum River, 28 km away from Srinagar in Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Its ruins once consisted of two temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu, and were built under king Avantie Utpala dynasty in thvarman of the 9th century CE.

The Shrine of Hazrat Syed Hussain Muntaqi (RA) in Awantipora, Kashmir, is a significant Sufi pilgrimage site dedicated to the revered 13th-14th century saint, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Known for his deep spirituality and commitment to Sufi teachings, Hazrat Syed Hussain Muntaqi (RA) spread the message of humility, devotion to God, and love for humanity in the Kashmir Valley. The shrine, featuring traditional Kashmiri Islamic architecture, is a center of spiritual reflection and worship, especially during the annual Urs (death anniversary) when devotees gather to seek blessings and honor the saint's life and teachings. The site is a symbol of the region's rich Sufi heritage, fostering a sense of unity, peace, and spiritual devotion in the local community.

Almost every vehicle tributes while passing from this shrine, irrespective of whether the vehicle belongs to Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian or to person of any other belief. Offering greetings (salaam) at this shrine is considered a security certificate for traveling on that highway.

Historical Account of the Village

The town is said to have been founded by King Awanti-verman in 883-885 A.D. who had established his capital here.

Avantivarman built a Hindu temple in Awantipora dedicated to Vishnu called "Avantisvamin" before he became king, and during his reign he built a second Hindu temple in Awantipora called "Avantisvara" dedicated to Shiva. Both temples were built in spacious rectangular paved courtyards.

Educational Facilities

Kandizal, a village in Awantipora, offers basic educational facilities that cater primarily to the local population.The institution aim to deliver foundational learning, though challenges like limited infrastructure and teaching resources persist. For higher education, students often travel to nearby towns like Awantipora or Pulwama, where colleges and universities are more accessible.

The school in Kandizal offers education from kindergarten to 5th grade and has a total of 72 students, including 37 boys and 35 girls. The staff comprises four teachers (2 male and 2 female), two cooks, and one helper. Despite its efforts, the school faces significant challenges due to underdevelopment, operating with only three classrooms, which limits the learning environment for students in this backward area.

Principle Attractions

Awantipora, Kashmir, India has many natural attractions, including gardens, temples, and saffron fields:

Avantiswami Temple: An ancient temple with ruins that visitors can explore

Saffron fields: Awantipora is known for its saffron cultivation, and visitors can see the golden fields, especially in late autumn

Martand Sun Temple: An iconic archaeological site with panoramic views, architecture, and historic grandeur

River jhelum: A place to visit in Awantipora.

Best Time to visit the Village

Spring and autumn are generally the best times to visit Awantipora due to favorable weather conditions and scenic beauty, while summer and winter each offer their own unique experiences.

Health Care Facilities

The healthcare infrastructure in Awantipora plays a vital role in providing medical services to its residents and surrounding rural areas.

Awantipora is an accident-prone area (NH44), and its primary health care center operates round the clock, providing 24/7 access to medicines and medical staff. The facility has a capacity of 12 beds and is staffed by three doctors, two nurses, and two sweepers. However, it currently operates in a repurposed school building due to the ongoing construction of its new premises. This temporary setup presents significant challenges, including poor hygiene standards and limited space. With only one ward available, both staff and patients face considerable stress, further straining the quality of care provided.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurdwara

Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurdwara, the first-ever in Pulwama district, was established in the 1990s by the local community under the leadership of Kulwant Singh, the Gurdwara president, earning widespread appreciation. The government supported its construction by providing land. The Gurdwara offers facilities such as night-stay rooms and a mess for visitors, especially those from distant areas or pilgrims (Yatris).

The Gurdwara is marked by the Nishan Sahib (the sacred flag) and staffed by Sewadars (volunteers) and Granthi (Hardeep Singh), who has been serving for four years. Police personnel are also present for security.

Currently, a new Gurdwara building is under construction, led by Baba Harband Singh, Baba Bachan Singh, and Baba Mahinder Singh, inspired by Karsewa Baba from Delhi, known for constructing Gurdwara buildings. The Gurdwara is open to everyone, regardless of gender, community, or nationality, and provides comprehensive facilities.

On Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birthday, the Gurdwara organizes special celebrations, including free food (Guru Ka Langar), prayers (Paath), and spiritual gatherings in the Diwan Hall. It stands as a beacon of spirituality, service, and inclusivity.

Gastronomy: Local Cuisine

Traditional Dishes and Festive Meals

In Awantipora, which is part of the Kashmir region, you can enjoy a variety of traditional Kashmiri dishes that reflect the area's rich culinary heritage. One of the classic dishes is Rogan Josh, a flavorful and aromatic lamb curry.

Local Warriors

Shoaib Amin, son of Mohd Amin Wani and Shakeela, hails from Awantipora and has four siblings. He completed his schooling at Hajahad Public School, Awantipora, and his higher secondary education at Mantaqi Memorial Public Higher Secondary School as a non-medical student. He pursued college studies at SP College, Srinagar. Currently serving as the Secretary of Kickboxing, Shoaib is also a national-level Wushu player.

Inspired by his school coaches, Aijaz Sir and Rameez Sir, Shoaib began practicing in Srinagar, eventually starting his own academy during the COVID-19 pandemic. He excelled in various sports, playing nationals in Wushu, throwball (in Hyderabad), and martial arts (in Amritsar), showcasing consistent dedication and smooth performance. Despite limited support from his parents and no assistance from the government, he persevered, receiving crucial backing from the Awantipora Police, particularly SSP Mohd Yusuf and DSP Mumtaz Sahab, as well as the Army (42 RR).

Practicing for a maximum of two hours daily and taking advanced training in Srinagar, Shoaib has become a trainer in Wushu, mentoring students to national success. His cousin, Yasir Akbar, also a national player in Wushu and throwball, supports him in coaching students. Notable students who have played at the national level include Mehran from Kadlabal, Farhan from Jawbrara Awantipora, Arjuman from Jawbrara Awantipora, and Saira from Chersoo.

Shoaib is determined to continue his journey in Wushu and appeals to the government to establish a dedicated hall for Wushu in Awantipora to nurture emerging talent in the region.

Village Lifestyle and Values

Kandizal, a village in the Kashmir region, experiences a modest lifestyle due to various challenges despite its scenic beauty. The village relies heavily on agriculture, which is vulnerable to fluctuations in crop yields and market prices, limiting economic diversity and opportunities. Its underdeveloped infrastructure means access to modern amenities, healthcare, education, and reliable transportation is limited. Local roads are often in poor condition, making travel to nearby towns difficult. These economic constraints contribute to lower income levels, impacting overall quality of life and access to resources. Traditional housing in Kandizal, while reflective of local architecture, often lacks modern conveniences, further complicating daily life. Overall, the village’s blend of traditional practices and economic limitations results in a lifestyle that, though enriched by community and natural beauty, faces significant challenges.