Every household in this Budgam village is associated with Wazwan making

Budgam, June 27: Kangri Pora village in central Kashmir’s Budgam district stands out as a community where every household is involved in the work of Wazwan making. Wazwan is a multi-course meal in Kashmiri cuisine.
In each household, at least two people are dedicated to this profession. Ever since Wazwan was introduced to the Kashmir Valley, the people of Kangri Pora have been diligently carrying on this tradition.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a local, said the introduction of Wazwan in Kashmir has had a significant impact on the village. “Being the first village in Budgam district to engage in this work, more than two people from each household are now associated with it, earning their livelihood,” he said. “In addition to the agricultural activities in the village, this work has become a main source of income for our village.”
Dar said this skill has been passed down from one generation to another, with their ancestors also involved in this work.
He said they receive numerous orders to prepare Wazan in various districts, and they work together in groups to fulfil these orders.
Ghulam Mohiuddin Dar, another local of Kangripora village, said that apart from the agricultural activities, the preparation of Wazwan has become a significant source of income for the villagers. This traditional practice has been the primary means of livelihood for families in the village ever since Wazwan was introduced in Kashmir, he said.
Ghulam Mohiuddin said educated young individuals in the village are also actively participating in Wazwan making. “Many youths are balancing this work alongside their studies, gaining valuable skills that are being passed down to the younger generation in the village,” he said.
According to Dar, the skilled chefs from their village have mastered the art of preparing over 50 dishes in Kashmiri Wazwan.
Despite facing financial challenges, Dar expressed an unwavering commitment to this work, saying Wazwan is an integral part of Kashmiri culture and tradition that distinguishes the region globally.
The unique taste of Kashmiri Wazwan, unmatched by other dishes, has contributed to its reputation, even surpassing the offerings of five-star hotels, he said.
“It is our duty to preserve this tradition and pass on this valuable skill to future generations. Our village will continue to uphold this practice, as it is a defining aspect of Kashmiri identity and a means of sustaining our livelihood, just as our ancestors did,” Dar added.