Shishur Festival is celebrated in
Jammu and Kashmir and is dedicated to the new born baby or the newly-wed bride. The word ‘shishur’ literally means winter.
On this occasion, a little lime powder is placed on a piece of cloth called 'Zarbaft', which is stitched into a small triangular shape. This piece of cloth is then fixed on to the cap of the newborn or on the cloth covering the head of the bride. This ritual is performed to protect the newborn baby or the bride from the ill effects of an evil eye or any other bad omen and against cold.
During this festival specially cooked yellow meat along with pan cakes is distributed among near and dear ones. This festival is said to have originated from the process of scattering lime powder during winter in order to get rid of the bacteria, insects and bad odor.
