Culinary Journey
Meera Iyer19k viewsFor myself, the first time when I tasted Wazwan, it was not just about having some food to eat. It seemed more like joining a tradition that has been maintained for years together. There were people around who were talking in whispers, which added up to the overall welcoming aura. The moment we were handed over a big copper plate, it became quite clear to me that this was no occasion where we would be eating fast.
Even before we got our hands on this food, stories were being told in the background. Wazas or talented chefs would have taken their time and effort to prepare this food with care and precision. They would choose the right meat, beat it with their bare hands, and then cook it with various spices, leaving behind an amazing smell.
As the dishes started arriving, one after another, I observed how each dish made its own statement. Rogan Josh was served in an intense red. Yakhni was more soothing, and the flavor of Rista was bold and strong. Gushtaba, which arrived last, was smooth. Every dish added a little bit of flavor to my meal, creating a unique experience.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Wazwan was how we consumed it. We were four persons who ate from one plate, and initially, it seemed strange. But gradually, it became normal. There was a unique feeling associated with the act of collectively getting our food, waiting for each other, sharing, and sometimes even laughing at certain instances. The entire experience of the meal became different. It went beyond the taste of the food and transformed into something else entirely.
There is also the unique tempo of Wazwan, and this becomes obvious as you go on with your eating. Not all foods are served simultaneously; they are brought gradually, and each dish brings something new. Sometimes there are conversations, and sometimes there are silences, where all the attention is on the food. It flows very smoothly and gracefully, as if the meal itself is leading you, and not vice versa. And then time stops flowing; there is no room left for anything else in your mind.
Once the food got finished, there was no sense that something had been ended. There was only a feeling that something was carried forward. All the tastes, sharing the dish, talking about things, and slow progress were left behind in my mind. Wazwan does not mean just placing the dishes in one plate for serving. It includes all the aspects of culture and tradition as well.
But when I reflect on this experience, it is not only the food that comes into mind. I am reminded of the feeling of being seated around the table, sharing, and being immersed in such a richly cultural experience. Wazwan is not an experience that you will try just once. Once you have tasted it, you will recall it whenever you think about Kashmir.
In Ladakh lakes are really special. They are very quiet. They have a lot of power. The lakes in Ladakh are always changing. These lakes are surrounded by mountains. The water in these lakes looks like the sky. When you visit lakes, in Ladakh you will remember them for a time even after you leave Ladakh and the lakes.
Ride on the tranquil waters of Dal Lake in a shikara and get transported to another world, one of serene beauty and enchanting tranquility. The lake seems tranquil and timeless as its waters mirror the skies and the surrounding landscape. The pace of life here seems slow and leisurely, and every minute spent here leaves one with a lingering sense of contentment.
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