Three Children. One Haunted Houseboat. A Mystery Lost in the Mist of Dal Lake, Kashmir.
Twelve-year-old Faizan lives on a houseboat in the heart of Dal Lake, Kashmir. Bright, curious, and full of questions, he also has Down’s syndrome—and a sharp eye for things others miss. When Arun and Illa, two siblings from Mumbai, arrive in Kashmir for a summer holiday, they—along with Faizan—are drawn into a chilling mystery surrounding an old, abandoned houseboat floating at the edge of Dal Lake, known to the locals as the Bhoot Shikara.
Strange noises. A missing girl. A forgotten compartment. As the friends investigate, they uncover a truth buried under years of silence—and a story that needs to be told.
Set against the breathtaking beauty and layered history of Kashmir, The Haunted Shikara of Dal Lake is a gripping, heartwarming story of courage, inclusion, hope and offers young readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir—from its music, crafts, and legendary hospitality to the serene charm of Dal Lake.
It gently introduces the social and emotional realities of the region—helping children understand how, for many years, Kashmir has lived under the shadow of conflict. The story reminds us that behind every ghost story is a real story waiting to be heard.
