Editorial photo #13779600 Human Interest

Daily Life In Kashmir

Herds of cows graze across the open green fields in Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, India, on June 3, 2026. In Hinduism, the cow is revered as ''Gau Mata,'' symbolizing motherhood, selfless giving, and non-violence. It is associated with Lord Krishna and features in festivals such as Gopashtami and Govardhan Puja. Cow dung and urine are used in traditional rituals and Ayurveda. For many rural households, cattle provide milk, dairy products, organic manure, and draft power for farming. India is the world's largest producer of milk, with the dairy sector contributing over 5% to GDP and supporting more than 80 million farmers, most of whom are small and marginal. (Photo by Nasir Kachroo/NurPhoto)