In Kashmir Valley, a culinary tradition known as Wazwan has long been celebrated as an integral part of weddings and festive occasions. However, recent developments in this age-old tradition have sparked a heated debate, with concerns emerging about the financial burden imposed on poor families who strive to meet the escalating expectations of an elaborate Wazwan feast.
Derived from the Kashmiri words “waz” (cook) and “wan” (to spread), Wazwan is a multi-course meal consisting of a plethora of delectable dishes. Served on large copper plates called “Tramis,” this feast includes an array of rice, meat, and vegetable delicacies. Seated on the floor around the Trami, guests are invited to partake in the feast, utilizing their hands as a sign of respect.
Historically, Wazwan comprised eight meticulously crafted dishes, such as Kebab, Tabakmaaz, Daniphol, Rista, Rogan Josh, Daniwal Korma, Marchhwangan Korma, and Gushtaba. However, driven by the demands of an evolving society, some weddings have witnessed an extravagant expansion, boasting an astonishing 21-meal course. Unfortunately, this shift has raised concerns about the increasing focus on ostentatious displays and the resulting waste of both money and food.
In a recent incident that grabbed public attention, a thinly sliced piece of meat garnishing the top of a Trami at a wedding in Kashmir sparked a flurry of online discussions. Social media platforms became a forum for expressing concern over the financial burden placed on poor and middle-class families striving to keep up with the latest and uncalled for trends/ innovations in Wazwan.
Many argued that these excessive additions were merely a show of affluence, inadvertently creating an atmosphere of competition among families, leaving those less fortunate feeling anxious and inadequate.
“The trend of elaborate Wazwan feasts has become a matter of unnecessary and extreme show off in our society”, a social media user said adding, “Before embracing these extravagant additions, we should consider the impact they have on less privileged families who struggle to meet the expectations imposed by these evolving traditions. It is essential to remember the potential suffering that such financial burdens can inflict on their loved ones.”
Mehvish, a 35-year-old resident of Srinagar, has witnessed the detrimental impact of the wedding extravaganza. She described how the rising trend of Wazwan has become an additional burden on poor families, leading to mental anguish and even depression among girls and their parents.
The exorbitant expenses associated with elaborate weddings, the addition of numerous delicacies to the Wazwan, pre-wedding and post-wedding shoots, and live music bands for the wedding nights all contribute to the financial strain, she said, adding that families often face delayed or postponed marriages, pushing girls into their mid-30s and resulting in psychological and biological repercussions.
Shameem Ahmad, a professional waza (chef), has observed the evolving culture around Wazwan. He said that in the past, Wazwan typically consisted of a measured eight-course meal. However, in recent years, demands from people have led to the preparation of extravagant 21-course meals at some weddings.
Shameem viewed this as nothing more than a show of affluence, resulting in the wastage of money and food.
He also highlighted the situation in rural areas, where weddings used to bring together the entire village to enjoy the eight special dishes of Kashmiri Wazwan. Today, due to the new trend, weddings attract larger crowds, resulting in the preparation of numerous dishes. Poor families suffer the most as they struggle to meet these expectations, making it difficult for them to marry off their children, shameem added.
Zareef Ahmad Zareef, a well known Kashmiri writer, poet, and social activist told Rising Kashmir that the elaborate Wazwan feasts, driven by evolving trends and societal pressures, have imposed a significant financial burden on poor families in Kashmir Valley.
The emphasis on ostentatious displays and extravagant additions not only leads to the waste of money and food but also contributes to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy among those who cannot afford such lavish celebrations”, Zareef said.
It is essential to reconsider these trends and their impact on less privileged families is huge. The need of the hour is to ensure that weddings and festive occasions remain joyous occasions without becoming a source of financial distress to those who can not afford such uncalled for extravaganza, he added.
