Flavours of Unity

The yellow fried rice, also known as “Taher” in Kashmiri language, stands out as a dish that resonates deeply with the people of Kashmir. It’s often associated with celebrations, family gatherings, religious festivals and sufi shrines of Kashmir; making it a symbol of togetherness and unity within Kashmir. The word “Taher” is derived from “Tahar,” a Persian word for rice.

Last Thursday, I had a heart warming encounter with an old woman of my neighbourhood who was distributing tahaer (yellow fried rice) to the neighbourhood children. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, my chance encounter with this old woman restored my faith in humanity. Her simple yet profound act of distributing taehr (yellow fried rice) to neighbourhood children was a testament to the enduring power of kindness.
As I passed through the quaint streets of my vicinity, I stumbled upon a heartwarming scene. An elderly Kashmiri woman, her face etched with wisdom and kindness, was surrounded by giggling children. She was distributing steaming plates of yellow fried rice. Each serving made with love. Her eyes sparkled as she handed out “tahri”, and her smile was infectious.
This act of kindness had a profound impact on me. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people of Kashmir can come together to spread joy and warmth. The children once tired, were now brimming with happiness. The community had forged stronger bonds through this simple act, reinforcing the idea that we are all interconnected. This old woman not only preserves a cherished custom but also strengthens the bonds of community and leaves a legacy that transcends generations.

The ripple effect of this Kashmiri woman’s gesture was palpable. Inspired by her, neighbours began to join in, contributing food, smiles, and laughter. What started as a modest meal-sharing act, blossomed into a beautiful display of unity. It reminded me that one person’s kindness can ignite a chain reaction of goodwill.

Her eyes sparkled with love, and her smile radiated warmth. In that instant, I witnessed a custodian of our bygone traditions, preserving the essence of our culture. Her simple act of kindness reminded me that the heart of Kashmir’s heritage lies within its people, like this gracious woman who etches our traditions into memory, one smile and one bowl of yellow fried rice at a time.

The act of distributing Taheer among the children of her neighbourhood is a heartwarming example of the communal spirit that defines Kashmiri society. In Kashmir, hospitality is a cherished value, and sharing food, especially during times of celebration or charity, is a way of strengthening social bonds. It reflects the generosity and kindness that have been passed down through generations.

This Kashmiri woman serves as a reminder that traditions are not stagnant; they evolve and adopt while retaining their essence. She embodies the resilience of our cultural practices in the face of changing times. Her act of distributing Tahaer to the children of her neighbourhood is a bridge that connects generations, ensuring that the cultural heritage of Kashmir continues to thrive.

In that moment, watching the old Kashmiri woman sharing Taehri to the children, memories of my own mother came rushing back. She, too, was a custodian of our culture, instilling values in me with her actions. I recalled how she’d gather the neighbourhood children, urging them to partake in the joy of Taehri. Their eager voices, echoing Raj Aapa, Raj Aapa, give us more taehri – give us more “tahri,” still resonate in my mind. It was a testament to her nurturing spirit, keeping traditions alive through simple acts of love and sharing. These memories bind us to our roots and remind us all that the simple acts of sharing a meal can transcend boundaries, languages and generations. Such acts of love serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and sharing it with the world.

The author is a regular contributor.