Sufism thrives as Kashmiris embrace nostalgic cassette tapes

In the Kashmiri city of Srinagar, a small yet dedicated community of Sufi music lovers continues to embrace audio cassette tapes as a cherished medium for listening and archiving their musical heritage. This practice is deeply rooted in local culture, steeped in spirituality and emotion, and is often passed down through generations, as exemplified by Farooq Ahmad Shaksaaz, a tailor who inherited his passion for Sufi music and a meticulously preserved collection of cassette tapes from his grandfather. Throughout the region, cassette players have long been a vital part of family gatherings, providing a backdrop for shared experiences and spiritual reflection. As contemporary music formats grow in popularity, many individuals in Kashmir assert that cassette tapes deliver an unparalleled listening experience that digital platforms cannot replicate. Abdul Ahad, a carpet weaver, highlights the unique qualities of cassette tapes, referring to the act of pressing the play button as a sacred ritual connecting listeners to spiritual guides. This emotional attachment to the cassette format is still felt strongly, especially within the context of Kashmir, where prolonged periods of violence and turmoil have led individuals to seek solace in the powerful messages of divine love and longing found in Sufi music. Despite the increasing transition to digital music, dedicated enthusiasts maintain their commitment to preserving this nostalgic and tactile listening experience. Many collectors have resorted to digitizing their old recordings to ensure the preservation of rare and irreplaceable content. However, the challenges involved in maintaining cassette players, including a declining number of available repairs and replacement parts, have made it increasingly difficult for families to safeguard their cherished collections. Mohammad Ashraf Matoo, a mechanic skilled in repairing cassette players, has been sourcing non-functional devices to keep these beloved machines operational. This ongoing legacy highlights the connection between technology and tradition, as Shaksaaz expresses that preserving cassette tapes forms part of a personal mission to maintain a bridge to the past. He sees this effort as vital for staying connected to their cultural and spiritual roots in an ever-evolving and modern world. While the sounds of Sufi music may increasingly be found on streaming platforms, the communal, tactile experience of gathering around a tape player remains irreplaceable for the people of Kashmir as they continue to honor their musical heritage through cassette tapes.