(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

Article 370 is a history now. The self-inflated jinni now stands permanently closed in the bottle much to the consternation of those who would want this jinn to be continuously worshipped, even to the extent of consigning Kashmir to the flames. But the jinn has found peace now after it stands  exorcised.

Nevertheless , the ‘unique’ position it trumpeted to accord to Kashmir for the past so many years will definitely continue…albeit differently.

    Did you folks get it right…? We mean dry vegetables and other such assortments. “Hokhie Sinniey”, “Aanchaar” “Gaaeriey” (Water chestnuts), “Bum” (Water Lily rhizome), “Hund” (Dandelion), “Pambechie” (Lotus Seeds), “Hoggard” (Dried fish) etc.

Brand `Koshur’

The brand `Koshur’ in its new avatar will synergize and direct its energy towards rebuilding itself after clearing the debris that the jinni has left in its wake.

 Kashmiris will, however, not relinquish the practice of according special status to anybody who comes from any State of mainland India  while addressing him or her as `Punjeab’ or `Madreas’. For Kashmiris, every Indian used to be either a Punjabi or a Madrasi. The same applies to goods and services that found their way into Kashmir. Punjeab Gaad (Fish), `Punjeab Wangun’ (Brinjal), `Punjeab Palakh’ (spinach), `Punjeab Chhan’ (Carpenter) etc will continue to  be part of Kashmiri’s vocabulary. Now, of late, the nomenclature seems to have changed to Bihari. Any mason, a labourer, a plumber or a barber from any State working in Kashmir presently is a Bihari for a Kashmiri.  And this uniqueness we Kashmiris so cherish is never going to go away with the abrogation of Article 370.  The indigenous items according a unique peculiarity to Kashmir will also continue to thrive and these include Koshur Thool (Egg), Koshur Wangun (Brinjal), Koshur All (Bottle Gourd), Koshur Varimoth, mong (Moong), Koshur Kath (Sheep), Koshur Shawls, and many more, including typical Kashmiri dry vegetables (“Hokh Sinnie’).

The fetish for the hygienic diet may give these “Hokh Sinnie” a bad press in the eyes of the Gen Zee; nevertheless, it is not going anywhere. It will thrive not only in Kashmir but wherever Kashmiris have moved lock stock and barrel. The nostalgia associated with these continues to make people get their mouths watered and admittedly, it is a fetish even now. The usual scene of Kashmiri migrants making a beeline and jostling for space inside the scrum formed around the not so familiar shopkeeper in their locality selling these items has to be seen to be believed. Nowadays not many negotiations over the price take place. This is a free for all situation. “Jhuth Gav Padshah” (Might is Right) rule applies here. Not a shred of “Koshur Haakh” is left. Be that any variety. Every item listed above makes our mouth water.

 Nobody goes into the nutritional component of these strange looking objects but for Kashmiris, it is a delicacy as well as a novelty beyond description. Kashmiris will continue to have a penchant for their beloved “Hokh Syun”. They may not dangle the strings of these items for drying nowadays openly and in full view of public… a scene which was a common one before the times Kashmir was showcased as a cradle of peace etc. etc. The process of drying these vegetables, fruits and what not dangling along the walls in the dry Sun presented a riot of colours adoring windows, doors and entrances. New mansions now consider this practice not so cool. But all this is to stay for some time.

Food for Thought

 Now, coming back to health fads, it may be mentioned that `Hokh Syuen’ fall under the category of “Synergy Foods’’ and in combination, they provide wonderful results. For example, (1) dried Bottle Gourd and White Gram, also  dried green beans, (2) dried fish and dried tomatoes and radish, (3) dried Brinjal and dried Bottle Gourd and dried beans, (4) red beans and turnip, (5) Bum and Hoggard (dried fish) etc. The Hakims of yore would prescribe this for patients who were convalescing.

To sum it up all we are reminded of modern polymath Nassim Nicholos Taleb. While advocating in favour of widening the scope and meaning of Rationalism he comes up with the argument that whatever survives the test of time should supersede every prevalent and informed opinion. One’s grandmother may have had many a trick up her sleeve while preparing your choicest dishes. These tricks may have remained unveiled for a long time but continue to remain sturdily rational and themselves are a testimony to the fact that tested knowledge survives and evolves overtime into a jewel. …”Hokh Syun” has all the justification to get defined under this unique category.