Balti People - Religion

Religion

Islam came into Baltistan by different scholars from Iran during 15th century A.D. Soon the whole region converted to Sofia Imamia Noorbakhshia.

During the start of the 19th century, the predominant population converted to other Islamic schools of thought such as Shia and Sunnis. Today, the Baltis are; Sufia Imamia Nurbakhshia (38%); Shi'a denomination (42%), and Sunni sect (20%). Today, Nurbakhshis are found in Baltistan and Ladakh regions of J&K, as well as a small number of Nurbakhshis are native to Iran, Kurdistan and Central Asia.

Local Muslims, who converted from Bön-po and Tibetan Buddhism still retain many traits of pre-Islamic Bön and Lamaist rituals, which makes Islam of Baltistan and Ladakh unique from other Muslim societies. Swastika (Yung drung) sign is considered auspicious and is carved on wooden planks that can be seen in historical mosques and Khankas. Showing respect to Lha and Lhu (Bön gods) is customary during many village rituals.

The Balti, who converted to Islam from Tibetan Buddhism in the 16th century, regard congregation in the Mosques and Khankah as an important religious ritual. The Khankahs are a kind of typical training school to which was introduced by the early saints arrived in the region. The students gain spiritual purity (tazkiah) through these trainings (meditations and contemplations) under well-practiced spiritual guides, who have already attained certain degree of spirituality. Mosques in Baltistan are mainly built in the Tibetan style, though several mosques constructed have wood-finish and decorations of Persian origin which can also be seen in Ladakh and Kargil. On every Friday, the men folk would generally attend the prayers sometime a little after noon. All Muslims will fast by day during the month of the Ramadan, and a celebration will be held at the end of the celebration.

Small pockets of Bön and Tibetan Buddhist believers that amounted up to 3000 people are found in Kharmang valley of Baltistan and in West Kargil. East Ladakh (Leh district and Zanskar) are predominantly Buddhist.