Mouth-watering delicacies take centre stage as Kashmir celebrates Eid

Srinagar, June 16: As Muslims in the Kashmir Valley gear up to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on Monday, the excitement is evident, with elaborate menus of delicious foods planned for the occasion.
Households are buzzing with preparations for the rich meat dishes and other delicacies that will soon infuse homes with tantalizing aromas.

Fatima, a homemaker, has meticulously planned a variety of recipes for the festive day. “We are expecting many relatives and friends, so we have planned many special recipes. We are also cooking non-traditional Kashmiri food to add variety,” she said. Her elaborate menu includes Chicken Biryani, Chicken Manchurian, Hyderabadi Biryani, Chicken Nuggets, Gulab Jamun, and Ras Malai.
“Though our menu consists of high-calorie and sugary foods, the occasion is special. We don’t want to serve the routine traditional food that people eat regularly. We want to offer special delicacies so that our guests remember the diverse flavors without getting tired of a single taste,” added her daughter Saniya.
The holy festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor, reflecting its significance for Muslims worldwide. Khalida Begum, another homemaker from Srinagar’s Soura, reminisced about the traditional spreads of yakhni, rogan josh, and chicken, complemented by local bakery items like katlam, cakes, and kulcha. However, she noted a shift in food preparation trends. “Now, everything has changed. Most foods are either ready-made or semi-prepared and just need simple heating at home,” Khalida observed.
The anticipation of Eid-ul-Azha extends beyond the culinary delights. It is a time for families and friends to come together, share meals, and celebrate the spirit of the festival. Despite the changing trends in food preparation, the essence of Eid remains the same, bringing people together in joy and celebration.