Game of Thrones: In strife-torn Kashmir, new cafe named Winterfell

By

Khalid Bashir Shah

The Kashmir valley has seen frequest protests and rallies over the last few years. With very little recreational space available, the youth are virtually locked indoors due to continued strikes and curfews.

But all that is changing now. On the banks of famous Dal Lake, a humble cafe has become a favourite spot for poetry readings, stand-up comedy and music concerts, providing an oasis of sorts to address the lack of social intercations.

Based on Game of Thrones, this cafe hosts an iron throne, quite similar to that of the famous Hollywood drama series. The cafe as been named Winterfell, on one of the seven kingdoms of the famous TV series.

"We named it Winterfell because it is in the north. In Game of Thrones, the Winterfell is located in north, in Kashmir we are also placed in north. Apart from that the temperature, the kind of attire we wear is also similar, especially in winter. It turned out we were the first themed cafe in Kashmir and we were the first themed cafe in whole of India based on Game of Thrones," said Umar Imtiyaz, co-owner, Winterfell.

Multiple cafes have come up in Kashmir providing a space for youth who are otherwise witness to brutal violence. In the last decade, Kashmir has witnessed hundreds of strikes and curfews, during which the population remains completely locked up in houses. Internet shutdowns add to the trouble.

While the conflict has taken over the life of youth, these cafe provide platform to singers, artists, poets and artists in Kashmir to showcase their talent and have a sense of respite from the brunt of political trouble. Sitting on the shopfront to discuss politics was a favourite activity of Kashmiris in early days but that is now being replaced by brick walls of cafes.

Responsibility of cafe in Kashmir has increased because the social life here has gone down. I remember that during my childhood, my parents didn't allow me to venture outside because this was a conflict zone. Obviously, we didn't have much interaction with outside world to get information about how the society is developing. When we talk of cafes and their importance, people from different areas come together where people talk, share their talent and share their ideas. It is a place which is not confined to eating and drinking; there are conversations. This is where the society shapes," said Imtiyaz.

Jammu and Kashmir is also marred by widespread unemployment, particularly among the younger sections of the society. Unemployment rate in the state is highest than the national average. About 25 per cent of those between the age group 18- 29 are without a source of proper employment. Thriving cafe culture has given a boost to entrepreneurship and employment generation.

"These cafes give a sense of relief because youth here are caged. People come together from different communities and interact in these cafes," said Nadir Ali, Director, Centre for Peace and Justice.

While there are many such Cafe’s coming up, the continued strife is affecting the business as well. The unrest of 2016, during which Kashmir remained shut for many years, the owners had to face massive losses. However, they are hoping against hope and expecting the next summer to be peaceful so that the losses of previous years can me made up.