Named Kishtwari Poets
Languages of Verse
Sahitya Akademi Award
Prose Writer — Nagsen
Songs of the Himalayas
NAGSEN can well be called the first prose writer in Kishtwari. A vibrant literary movement is underway — galaxies of poets and writers are now composing and publishing in Kishtwari. The day is not far when Kishtwari will be recognised as a language fit to be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The Poetic Legacy of Kishtwar
Kishtwar’s literary heritage stretches back centuries — from the ancient philosophical dialogues of Nagsen (the great Buddhist scholar of the Milinda Panho, believed to have been born in the Nagseni area) to a living tradition of poetry in Kishtwari, Kashmiri, Hindi, and Urdu that continues to flourish today. The Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam has taken up the responsibility of enriching the Kishtwari language and literature, organising Kavi Sammelans (Mushairas) at district and state level that bring poets and audiences together in celebration of this Himalayan tongue.
The Chalant — a unique, freely flowing style of music and song born from Kishtwar — was immortalised by legendary singer-poet Janbaz Kishtwari and carried to audiences across Kashmir and beyond. This tradition, and the many voices that sustain it, form the heartbeat of Kishtwar’s cultural identity.
🖊️ Famous Poets of Kishtwar — Kishtwari, Hindi & Kashmiri
Krishan Lal Krishan
Suresh Ji Bawra
Badri Nath Palmari
Kashmiri Lal Roop
Chander Mohan Gupta ‘Chander Kishtwari’
Sant Ram Sanatan
Mohan Lal Parihar ‘Garib’
Sohan Lal Ganjoo
Janbaz Kishtwari
Ulfat Kishtwari
Lassa Jaoo Rana
Qadir Birwari
Manmohan Gupta ‘Qaiser’
Khushi Ram Sen ‘Aavesh’
Rowail Singh Rana
Swami Raj Mastana
Jagdish Raj Sharma ‘Dilgeer’
Ushaq Kishtwari
Lekh Raj Parihar ‘Nirala’
Bhabi Chand Shan
Ram Sewak Sharma
Master Tara Chand
Hans Raj Wazir
Bansi Lal Aryan
Madan Lal Bhandari
Om Ji Goswami
Kewal Krishan Sharma
Ashok Bhandari
Subash Sharma
Shub Dev Sharma
Amin Doolwal
Manisha Sharma ‘Manu’
Janbaz Kishtwari — Ghulam Nabi Doolwal
Legendary Singer · Poet · Composer · Chalant Style · Sahitya Akademi Award 2020
Janbaz Kishtwari — born Ghulam Nabi Doolwal in Kishtwar — stands as one of the most celebrated and beloved cultural figures ever produced by Kishtwar. A singer, musician, poet, and writer of extraordinary range, Janbaz became the defining voice of the Chalant style of music — a unique, freely flowing form of musical expression rooted in the Kishtwar tradition.
His compositions were simple, flexible, and deeply humane — with a wide range of themes from love and longing to social commentary and devotion. His ghazals in Kashmiri expressed the desire of unrequited love with a simplicity of language that made them instantly accessible and endlessly memorable. His famous composition “Ahista Ahista” became a timeless classic of Kashmiri music, widely noted for not gaining full popularity until it was melodiously rendered by acclaimed singers Samad Sofi and Gulzar Ganie.
His book Phalwin Sangar — a rare collection of Kashmiri poetry — has been digitised and made available to lovers of Kashmiri poetry worldwide. A monograph on Janbaz Kishtwari was also compiled and published by Wali Mohd. Aseer Kishtwari, recognising his immense contribution to the literary and musical heritage of Kishtwar and Kashmir.
His Chalant-style songs spread like a river across Kashmir and beyond — Kishtwar remembers him as the voice that gave its soul a melody.
🏅 Sahitya Akademi Award 2020 — Wali Mohd. Aseer Kishtwari
Wali Mohd. Aseer Kishtwari’s Kashmiri book “Jamis Manz Kashir Zaban-O-Adab (Tawareekh Te Tanqeed)” — a monumental work on Kashmiri language and literature — received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2020. His 848-page book on Sufism in J&K and PoK (published 2013) is considered an authentic document on the Sufi tradition of the region. His work Zilla Doda ki Adabi Shinakhat (1993, 495 pages) remains the definitive record of Chenab valley’s history, culture, and literary contributions.
Shri Mohan Lal Parihar “Garib”
Poet · Devotional Composer · Village Matta, Kishtwar
Born in village Matta of Kishtwar, Mohan Lal Parihar “Garib” is a celebrated poet of the district and a composer of devotional bhajans, most notably for Maa Ashtdash Bhuja Mata Sarthal. His poetry reflects deep spiritual devotion and a warm connection to the folk traditions of Kishtwar.
🏅 Awards & Achievements
Shri Bhabi Chand Shan
Poet · Bhajan Composer · Born 19 May 1954 · Shanpura Chingam
Born on 19 May 1954 in village Shanpura Chingam, district Kishtwar, Bhabi Chand Shan is a man of great poetic depth — composing poems, geets, and bhajans in Urdu, Kishtwari, and Kashmiri. His poems are mostly motivational and carry a deep fragrance of Hindu spiritual tradition. He has continuously participated in the Janmashtami programme as ‘Vasudev’ in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
His Philosophy of Life:
“यह जीवन मिट्टी का कच्चा घड़ा है, न कर मान गुम्मान,
यदि इस को भाटी में पक्का भी करेगा, फिर भी है दो दिन का मेहमान”
🙏 Bhajan of Maa Sarthal by Bhabi Chand Shan
Lal chola lage Mata sher sawar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar,
Raja yuvon khornain mata darbar, aamiran gareeban they divan taar,
Sarthal gamas manz thu mata darbar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar…
Bhabi chand thuy chadan gaam tay shar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar.
Late Shri Khushi Ram Sen “Aavesh” (1927–d.)
Poet · Story Writer · Ex-President Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kishtwar
Born on 4 September 1927 in village Zellna, Kishtwar, Khushi Ram Sen ‘Aavesh’ completed his matriculation from High School Kishtwar, his 10+2 from SP College Srinagar, and later earned his Bachelor’s and Post-Graduation from Amar Singh College. A double post-graduate in Hindi and History, he joined the Education Department as a teacher. He was the ex-president of Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kishtwar and an active member of Bazam-e-Adab Kishtwar. Widely known for his poetry and story writing in Hindi and Urdu, he was a beloved and respected figure in the literary life of Kishtwar.
Jagdish Raj Sharma “Dilgeer”
Kishtwari Poet · Matta, Kishtwar · First Poem 1959
From Matta, Kishtwar, Jagdish Raj Sharma ‘Dilgeer’ is a celebrated Kishtwari poet who composed his first poem in 1959 while working with the Forest Department’s Working Plan. He is known particularly for his masterpiece poem “Kishtwarich Zanan” (The Women of Kishtwar) — a beautifully observed portrait of the daily lives, strength, and dignity of Kishtwar’s women, composed entirely in the Kishtwari language.
First Poem — “Working Plan” (1959)
“Raatas Na Nindar Dosas Na Chain, Naukri gasay Karin Working Plane
Rooz khushun boan paitha paith topaas, Kwal ith deyun hisab Ranger saabas
Aay na Oos gasun bachain, Naukri gasay karain working plane”
🖊️ Kishtwarich Zanan — (Excerpt)
Igri vouth thum godunkuk kaar, aanun panye tey te zolun naar,
Dvanis chowk dith Dal thes Khvalaan, tatay tain them gasan toph fir balaan,
Path thum pana manje chandnun kaar, Pinmay chode tay zolun thum naar,
Zab tov paan avyne karay kya Dhaar.
— Refrain: “What would you yourself do, alone?”
Lekh Raj Parihar “Nirala”
BSc · MA English · M.Ed · Poet · Novelist · Sonabhati, Palmar
Son of Late Thakur Sahib Ram Parihar, hailing from village Sonabhati of Palmar, Lekh Raj Parihar “Nirala” is a celebrated composer, writer, and poet from Kishtwar — writing in English, Urdu, and Kishtwari. He received his poetic inspiration from his mother, and has been an active participant of Mushairas at district and state level, as well as radio programmes. He served as Secretary of Kishtwari Sahitya Sangam for four years and is presently Vice President of Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam and Vice President of Anjumen Tariqi-e-Adab Kishtwar.
Nirala’s Poems (English) · Paaribag Geet Mala (Kishtwari) · Naagwati (Novel, Urdu) · AakashVani (Novel, Urdu) · Teachers Today
Manisha Sharma “Manu”
First Lady Journalist from Kishtwar · Poet · Author
Daughter of Sh. Ram Sewak Sharma of Bera Bhata, Kishtwar — a girl with magical words, as she has been described. The first lady journalist from Kishtwar, she began her journalism career at Dainik Jagran in 2005 and has also worked with Punjab Kesari. A renowned poet, her works have appeared in Trikuta Lalkar, Sarvhit Sandesh, Bal Ravi Samarika, and leading newspapers. She is currently with Dainik Sawera and News Channel Today 24.
Bundain · Nanhi Beti · Main Zindgi · Kaisa Ye Maan Hai · Agar Hoti Manzil Asan · Rakht Ranjit Dhara · Book: Kishtwar Ki Lok Kathayain
🏛️ Literary Organisations — Kishtwar’s Cultural Pillars
📖 Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam
The premier literary and cultural organisation of Kishtwar — responsible for enriching the Kishtwari language and organising Kavi Sammelans at district and state level. Founded by Kewal Krishan Sharma.
📖 Anjuman Taraqqi Adab Kishtwar
An active literary organisation that has recognised and honoured poets including Mohan Lal Parihar ‘Garib’ for their contributions to Kishtwari literature.
📖 Faridia Bazm-e-Adab, Doda
Named after Hazrat Shah Farid-ud-Din Baghdadi — organised landmark all-India poetic symposia on National Integration (1986–89) with eminent poets from across India, covered by Doordarshan and Radio Kashmir.
💡 Did you know? Janbaz Kishtwari’s iconic composition “Ahista Ahista” did not initially gain widespread popularity — until it was melodiously rendered by acclaimed Kashmiri singers Samad Sofi and Gulzar Ganie, after which it became a timeless classic. His songs, rooted in the Chalant style of Kishtwar, continue to be sung and celebrated across Kashmir and beyond to this day.
🖊️ Kishtwar — Where Every Valley Has a Poem & Every Poet a Mountain 🏔️
Related Topics
Janbaz Kishtwari
Kishtwari Poetry Language
Wali Aseer Sahitya Akademi
Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam
Chalant Music Kishtwar
Bhabi Chand Shan
Jagdish Raj Sharma Dilgeer
Manisha Sharma Journalist Kishtwar
mykishtwar.com
Poetry & Literature Series |
mykishtwar.com
· Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
NAGSEN can well be called the first prose writer in Kishtwari.
Krishan Lal Krishan, Suresh Ji Bawra, Badri Nath Palmari, Kashmiri Lal Roop, Chander Mohan Gupta ‘Chander Kishtwari’, Sant Ram Sanatan, Mohan Lal Parihar ‘Garib’, Sohan Lal Ganjoo, Janbaz Kishtwari, Ulfat Kishtwari, Lassa Jaoo Rana, Qadir Birwari, Manmohan Gupta ‘Qaiser’, Khushi Ram Sen ‘Aavesh’, Rowail Singh Rana, Swami Raj Mastana, Jagdish Raj Sharma ‘Dilgeer’, Ushaq Kishtwari , Lekh Raj Parihar ‘Nirala’, Bhabi Chand Shan, Sh. Ram Sewak Sharma, Master Tara Chand, Hans Raj Wazir, Bansi Lal Aryan, Madan Lal Bhandari, Om Ji Goswami, Kewel Krishan Sharma, Ashok Bhandari, Subash Sharma, Shub Dev Sharma and Amin Doolwal are some famous Kishtwari poets who have composed verses in Kishtwari, Hindi and Kashmiri.
Shri Mohan Lal Parihar ‘Garib’
Mohan Lal Parihar was born in village Matta of Kishtwar.
Mohan Lal ji Garib is a famous and renowned poet of Kishtwar. He also wrote Bhajans of Maa Ashtdash Bhuja Mata Sarthal.
Awards and Achievements
1. Receive Momento from Anjuman Taraqqi Adab Kishtwar in 1998 for better performance to uplift the Kishtwari literature
2. Certification of Honour from A B N High School Kishtwar
3. Certification of Honour from ‘Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Academy’.
4. Certification received by G.M. Sarrori on the eve of Golden Jubliee Awards in 2008
Shri Bhabi Chand Shan
Bhabi Chand Shan was born on 19-05-1954 in village Shanpura Chingam of district Kishtwar. He is a man with great poetic interest, had written many poems, geets and bhajans not only in Urdu language but also in Kishtwari and Kashmiri language. Poems, bhajans written are mostly motivational and show great fragrance of Hindu religion.
He has continuously participated in Janam Ashtami program as VASUDEV in 2009, 2010, 2011.
His Philosophy of life is :
“यह जीवन मिटटी का कच्चा घड़ा है, न कर मान गुम्मान ,
यदि इस को भाटी मे पक्का भी करेगा, फिर भी है दो दिन का मेहमान”
Bhajan of Maa Sarthal by Bhabhi Chand Shan
Lal chola lage Mata sher sawar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar,
Raja yuvon khornain mata darbar, aamiran gareeban they divan taar,
Sarthal gamas manz thu mata darbar,Sarthal mata thuy namaskar
Kishtwadas mata pehreydar, bhagtav sajovmut thu mata darbar,
kandney charnan tal mandar namashkar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar
Chandi mata machel nam thu paddar, Bhaderwah chanoot hathan naren yatr,
Paddar they nilam Kishtwar Kung taar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar
Chandi mata prakat they mindal pahar, Vashno mata darshan thu katra pahar ,
Pashu hatya pap thu sarey karu vichar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar
Wathul pahad brahmanand sheen thus ambar, Dacchan theiy Trisandya doodh chiy dhar,
Sher thu Brahama pahad Dil thu Kishtwar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar
Basdev babas thuy namaskar, dhayanu bhagatas mata chey dechet taar,
Bhabi chand thuy chadan gaam tay shar, Sarthal mata thuy namaskar.
Late Shri Khushi Ram Sen ‘Aavesh’
Khushi Ram Sen ‘Aavesh’ was born on 4 Sep 1927 in village Zellna of Kishtwar. After doing Matriculation from High School Kishtwar, he completed his 10+2 from SP College Srinagar. Later, he joined education department as Teacher. After that he did Bachelors and Post Graduation from Amar Singh college. He was Post Graduate in two subjects i.e. in Hindi and History at that time. He was the ex-president of Sanatan Dharam Sabha Kishtwar. He is famous for poetry and story writings in Hindi and Urdu.
He was the active member of Bazam-e-Adab Kishtwar. He has retired from service.
Lekh Raj Parihar “Nirala”
Lekh Raj Parihar “Niralla”, son of Late Thakur Sahib Ram Parihar, basically from village Sonabhati of Palmar, presently residing at Matta Kishtwar . He is well known composer, writer, poet from Kishtwar, he has written so many poems in English, urdu and kishtwari.
He is also district President of Bharat Swabhiman (trust) unit Kishtwar. He worked as Rural Director Dramatic Clubs for general awakening of the people living in rural area. He also served as Secretary “Kishtwari Sahitya Sangam” for about four years. Presently, he is vice president of Kishtwari Sahitya Kala Sangam Kishtwar and also vice president of Anjumen Tariqi–e-Adab Kishtwar.
He is a social activist. He received his poetic inspiration from his mother. He is active participant of Mushairas conducted by cultural academy at district and state level and he also takes part in radio program and literary pursuits. He has written two book’s entitled “Nirala’s Poem” in English and “Paribaag Geet Mala” in kishtwari.
Jagdish Raj Sharma “Dilgeer”
He is from Matta Kishtwar, after passing his matric from HSS Boys kishtwar he started working in a private firm as a daily wager. He is a famous personalty of kishtwar, he usually writes poems in kishtwari and urdu. He wrote his first poem in 1959 while working in a “Working Plan(Forest Department)” after that he joined “Ghulam Din Ganga Ram” firm.
His favorite poem in Kishtwari is “Kishtwarich Zanan”.
His first poem was “Working Plan”
“Raatas Na Nindar Dosas Na Chain, Naukri gasay Karin Working Plane
Rooz khushun boan paitha paith topaas, Kwal ith deyun hisab Ranger saabas
Aay na Oos gasun bachain, Naukri gasay karain working plane”
After joining “Ghulam Din Ganga Ram” Firm he wrote his Second Poem
“ Bob bay Manager Jammu thay magaan, Meyana Pagwana Sheen thu Lagaan,
Muniem tay Munshi thay Darbdar, Na thu godaam bay na thu Zar,
Dos Dos thay tem mas mas chatan, Meyana Pagwana Sheen thu Lagaan.”
Manisha Manu
Manisha Sharma ( Manu) D/O Sh. Ram Sewak Sharma of Bera Bhata Kishtwar. Manisha did her schooling from BVM High School Kishtwar. Manisha is very talented, we can say ” girl with magical words”. Manisha, is also a renowned poet of Kishtwar district, she had written many poems in various magazines like Trikuta Lalkar, Sarvhit Sandesh, Bal Ravi Samarika etc. and also in News Papers like (Dainik Jagran, Punjab Kesari). Some of her poems are Bundain, Nanhi Beti, Main Zindgi, Kaisa Ye Maan Hai, Agar Hoti Manzil Asan, Rakht Ranjit Dhara etc. She is a professional writer, she has written many articles on different Social issues. Manisha has written a book namely “Kishtwar Ki Lok Kathayain”.
