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NASIR ALI
Srinagar: As the marriage season begins in Kashmir, the air is once again filled with the tantalizing aroma of traditional delicacies, the laughter of relatives, and the sound of celebrations that stretch late into the night. Lavish wedding functions, particularly the famed Wazwan—Kashmir’s multi-course culinary pride are being planned in full swing. However, in the middle of this cultural opulence, voices of concern are beginning to rise: Are we losing sight of sustainability and moderation?
Kashmiris have long been known for their warm hospitality and their deep-rooted wedding customs. The traditional Wazwan, once a dignified offering of seven meticulously prepared mutton dishes, has expanded dramatically over the past few decades. “When I got married 35 years ago, we had seven main dishes during the Barat function,” recalls 65-year-old Ghulam Qadir Dar, a retired schoolteacher from downtown Srinagar. “Today, my nephew’s wedding had nearly 20 mutton items, from Rista to Dani Phoul, all cooked in excess.”
This evolution in culinary extravagance reflects a broader trend in Kashmiri weddings an unspoken competition to outdo one another in the grandeur of food, decor, and arrangements. But what’s being lost in this race is the value of simplicity and the environmental cost that accompanies it.
In addition to the rise in the number of dishes, another concern is the increased use of plastic and disposable items during wedding functions. “Thirty years ago, there was no concept of disposable crockery. We used traditional copper utensils and reusable tableware. Everything was either rented or owned, but it was always washed and reused,” says Mehnaz Jan, a homemaker in Hyderpora. “Today, from plastic spoons and thermocol plates to mineral water bottles and disposable cups, every event generates massive non-biodegradable waste.”
A walk around any marriage hall or tented wedding lawn the day after a function presents a sorry picture, heaps of leftover food, stacks of plastic waste, and half-eaten meals thrown away without guilt. This mindless wastage not only impacts the environment but also insults the traditional Kashmiri value of ‘Khatir’ (hospitality with dignity and conscience).
Can we reverse this trend? Can we, as a society, take conscious steps to return to sustainable and modest celebrations?
Many environmentalists and social reformers believe the answer is yes but only if the educated and economically well-off families take the lead. “When a reputed doctor or bureaucrat hosts a modest wedding, it sends a message across the society. People look up to them,” says Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, a sociologist from reputed College. “But if the elite continue with extravagant functions, others will follow, often at the cost of taking loans or selling assets.”
The concept of eco-friendly weddings has already gained momentum in parts of India and around the world. Couples are opting for digital invitations, reusable décor, and minimal food wastage. In Kashmir too, small but meaningful efforts are being made by a few families. “We recently hosted a wedding where only 10 dishes were served, and we used traditional utensils. No plastic was allowed,” says Arifa Noor, an NGO worker. “Initially, some relatives were skeptical, but after the event, many appreciated the simplicity and grace.”
The need of the hour is for religious leaders, community elders, to raise awareness about this growing concern. Mosques, Friday sermons, social media platforms, and school curriculums can play a vital role in educating people about the environmental and social benefits of reducing waste and embracing moderation.
Government support is also crucial. A policy framework that incentivizes zero-waste events, imposes limits on disposable usage, and promotes traditional practices could encourage citizens to make the switch. At the grassroots level, local councils or mohalla committees can introduce community guidelines for sustainable weddings, backed by social recognition and community respect.
The beauty of Kashmiri weddings lies not in the number of dishes or the size of the venue, but in the essence of togetherness, the sincerity of traditions, and the joy of shared celebrations. Reimagining weddings in a more eco-conscious and culturally respectful manner is not about letting go of customs it’s about honoring them in the truest sense.
As the marriage season unfolds, let it not just be a time of celebration, but also a time for reflection. Let us embrace a new tradition one that blends joy with responsibility, grandeur with grace, and festivity with sustainability.
