Page 40 - seniors today november 2020
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both feasts invitees sit on the floor and are that there were no facilities on board.
served rather than self helping. Eventually the lake got polluted a little. I
wish Kashmir could return to those times!
Sweet endings The other memory I have is that of the
For the dessert the only sweet (usually) in annual picnic outing at the Badamwari.
Wazwan is the Phirni followed by a cup of This festival celebrating the almond
Kahwa, the Hindus favourite is the Modur blossoms is also the Kashmiri New Year.
Pulav (a sweet rice infused with saffron, dry The main venue is on the gardens below
fruits, cardamoms and other exotic spices). the imposing Hari Parbat in downtown
Apart from this, you do have different Srinagar. Some date this garden to the reign
types of Halwa or Firni too. Kahwa is a hot of the Sultan ZainUl Abidin (14th century)
favourite with anyone and everyone as it and so it seems that it is such an old
helps digestion. tradition. Heralding spring, the people of
These feasts are now no longer served all strata come out in droves and it becomes
during marriage festivities or such difficult to find an inch of space. Family
occasions indoors, but also for picnics gatherings have to involve food and what
and general occasions too. There are better than a Wazwan in those settings! I
three very distinct types of venues which remember that it was a treat to see the best
I have enjoyed immensely partaking of samovars from all over from which large
Wazwan. These are etched in minds of quantities of flavoured Kahwa was drunk.
most Kashmiris. The most enjoyable These samovars are heirlooms and come
without a doubt is a dinner “Dunga Party”. out on these type of occasions.
A small rustic houseboat usually with no Finally, I have attended many weddings
partitions and large windows is moored – some of known and some of unknown
to the banks of the Dal or Nageen lake and people. Such was the gracious hospitality
awaits all guests. Once all arrive and are of Kashmiris that the host who may be
seated (on the wooden floor with exquisite a relative of friends would welcome us
carpets) the boat is rowed slowly. The spicy warmly, knowing fully well that we were
aroma of food, being cooked in the small there only for the meal. Sadly, those times
kitchens (some larger Dungas have that) will never return and will remain very
wafts across. Sufiyana music is the perfect pleasant memories only.
accompaniment (I am sure this is where
the term Lotus Eaters came from as it is Recipe for the authentic Kashmiri
magical) as you hear the soft strains of Sitar, Pandit style Dum Aloo
Saz, & Tabla. Once the party gets boisterous Take 10–12 equal sized potatoes and parboil
the Chakkri songs start with impromptu them (2 whistles of the pressure cooker is
dancing. The Tumbaknar (an indigenous enough)
Kashmiri one-sided drum) heats up the After they cool down, peel them and let
evening even more, eventually culminating them rest for 10 minutes
in the Wazwan being served. The entire Take a toothpick (note I am not suggesting
evening is at least a 4 – 5 hours affair. In the use of a fork as it does not serve the
those heady days the youngsters would purpose) and poke several holes across the
smuggle many beer bottles not realising potato. This step is very important as the
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