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A ban order barring officials from wearing pheran in north Kashmir’s Langate was withdrawn recently.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• Subsequently the order was withdrawn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