The Traditional Barber and the Rooster Under the BasketIn the decades preceding modern medical infrastructure—even through mid-20th-century Kashmir—the traditional barber performed circumcisions without anaesthesia, using a finely sharpened blade. To manage this delicate procedure and soothe the infant's distress, Kashmir’s barbers devised a remarkably unique and resourceful traditional method. Performed by the traditional barber, this clean shave marks an important milestone for the newborn, often celebrated by affluent families with special dishes and family gatherings. Changing Social Dynamics and the Modern Parlour EraIn recent years, the social landscape surrounding Kashmir’s traditional barbers (Nai) has undergone a dramatic transformation. Sadly, due to persistent social stigma, many local barbers felt marginalised, viewing the traditional trade as a symbol of being downtrodden.