Kashmir’s culture is not only unique, rich and gleaming but also akin to an atmosphere that celebrates composite values, traditions and cultural legacy. The richness of Kashmir’s cultural and traditional aspect has fascinated masses across the world, be it the food, lifestyle, weddings or any other aspect of traditions in Kashmir.
In olden times, one of the most celebrated and rare traditions of the valley was the presence of the ‘Nabad Nout’ during weddings and other auspicious occasions in Kashmir. Nabad (sweet) is a Kashmiri word for Mishri in Urdu .
Nabad nout was an ornamental or a decorative pot made up of crystallized sugar and the entire pot was tied with thread . It was exchanged in abundance decades back as a token of love , affection and a souvenir representing good omens ( shagun in Kashmiri ) .
“ Nabad nout was made on order by Halwais in Maharajgunj area of shaher khaas “ Kashmir’s renowned historian, Zareef Ahmad Zareef said.
He said that the presence of Nabad Nout was thought to fetch good omens and spread sweetness in the relations.
However, the custo has vanished among the younger generations while in rare cases the NabadNout ,( though very rarely found ) is decorated with lights , sweets and chocolates .
The Nabad Nout has a very specific term related to it, called ‘ Nabad Kunz, which forms the upper layer of the nout . The Nabad Nout was usually presented to a bride during a kown wedding ritual in Kashmiri called “ khabar “ where the nout was stuffed with ornaments for the bride .
Nabad Nout and its legacy has completely vanished today .
Valleys legendary historian , Zareef Ahmad Zareef, says that the Nabad Nout was the most important and a must have for good omens during auspicious occasions in Kashmir valley, but this beautiful custom has been replaced by other rituals and customs that we come across nowadays during the occasions.
Be it any occasion of any achievement, or house warming ceremonies , the Nabad Nout has always been a gesture of sweetness and love .
“ As long as I remember, Ghulam hassan halwai , was the last person to make Nabad Nout in the valley “ Zareef Ahmad zareef said.
Undeniably the vanished customs, and values are still cherished by the lovers of tradationality .
