Instagram, in particular, has become the virtual pandal for Anantnag’s youth. Sharing curated aesthetic photos of the Betaab Valley, local poetry (Shayari), or traditional Kashmiri music serves as a subtle mating ritual. It allows individuals to express compatibility and shared values before ever meeting in person.
In this modern hybrid model, young individuals find their own partners through mutual friends, university circles, or social media. Once a mutual connection and commitment are established, the couple involves their families to formalize the relationship under the guise of an arranged match. Instagram, in particular, has become the virtual pandal