Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): As Kashmir welcomes Nouroz, the Persian New Year, the valley is abuzz with traditional celebrations, prayers, and cultural practices. Among the age-old customs observed on this occasion, leech therapy, a centuries-old healing practice, continues to draw large crowds seeking purification and well-being.
Nouroz, which symbolizes renewal and prosperity, was marked by special prayers at shrines, community gatherings, and the distribution of traditional foods. People visited places of religious significance, including the Hazratbal shrine and the shrine of Sultan-ul-Arifeen, to seek blessings for the new year.
One of the most fascinating customs linked to Nouroz in Kashmir is leech therapy, locally known as Zaloo Tchotun. On this day, hundreds gathered at shrines and with Unani medicine practitioners to undergo the procedure, which is believed to cleanse the blood and treat ailments such as hypertension, joint pain, and skin diseases.
At the Sultan-ul-Arifeen shrine in Srinagar, large crowds lined up to undergo this ancient treatment. Practitioners, skilled in traditional healing, placed medicinal leeches on patients, allowing them to draw out what is believed to be impure blood. Many consider this an essential ritual during Nouroz, linking physical healing with spiritual purification.
Despite advancements in modern medicine, leech therapy remains popular, especially among the elderly, who swear by its benefits. “I have been getting leech therapy on Nouroz for the last 20 years. It helps with my joint pain and gives me a sense of renewal,” said Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Srinagar.
Doctors, however, remain divided on the effectiveness of the practice. While Unani medicine experts vouch for its benefits, modern healthcare professionals urge caution, emphasizing hygiene and medical supervision.
As Nouroz festivities continue, the blend of tradition and faith remains evident in Kashmir. Whether through prayers, cultural customs, or age-old healing practices, the spirit of renewal associated with the festival remains deeply ingrained in the region’s heritage.(DD)