Srinagar, June 30: A local chef (waza) has stirred both curiosity and criticism online after unveiling unconventional innovations to Wazwan.
From `drone kebab’ to `meat corn’, the local chef has introduced some new items into the already lavish Wazwan, all crafted from pounded meat in creative shapes. The video has now gone viral on social media.
The waza, whose name has not yet been officially confirmed, is seen in the video proudly presenting the dishes to the camera, calling it his effort to `modernize tradition’. The most talked-about addition, the `Drone Kebab’, is shaped like a miniature drone, which he says is dedicated to `Operation Sindoor.
Apart from drone kebab, items including Dil Kabab( heart-shaped kebab), meat roti, and a dish titled `grenade Kebab’ are an addition to his innovation.
However, the reaction from the public has been far from unanimous. Many Kashmiris took to social media to mock the presentation, with some questioning the need for such “gimmicks” in a meal already considered both culturally revered and financially burdensome.
“Wazwan is already an extravagant affair. Now they want to serve drones and grenades on a platter, too. It’s not a wedding anymore, it’s a battlefield of meat,” commented Azhar Mushtaq, a Facebook user.
Many social media buffs highlighted the fact that Wazwan makes one of the costliest affairs in Kashmiri weddings, following which many couples fail to get married at a suitable age. “We have an army of unmarried men and women. Kashmiris should unite to oppose such innovation in Wazwan as it will become a nuisance in the future,” commented Sami Kahn, a netizen on Instagram.
Many said that the government should take serious action against any such innovation. “Govt should take action against such waza, because many people in the valley can’t afford such expensive dishes in marriages,” wrote Ab Hameed Kumar, a Facebook user.
Traditionally comprising more than two dozen dishes, Wazwan is often prepared over several hours by a team of skilled wazas and holds symbolic value in Kashmiri weddings and celebrations. It is served to guests who sit on the floor to relish the meal on `tramis’ (bigger copper plates). Mostly four people eat from a `trami’ as the chef takes turns serving each dish. Culinary experts count Kashmiri Wazwan among the ‘top three exotic foods’ of India. This multicourse feast is an important part of Kashmiri weddings, apart from wanwun and mehndiraat.
Earlier, celebrity chef Sanjay Raina launched a campaign to secure a GI tag for Wazwan.