Ganderbal : In Gagangir village, located in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, a family has revitalized an ancient Kashmiri bridal farewell ritual by transporting the bride in a traditional wooden Zapan, contrasting with the modern trend of using decorated cars. This unique Ruksati ceremony showcased the region’s cultural heritage, as village elders and relatives carried the bride through the village’s winding lanes, accompanied by the singing of Wanvun, traditional Kashmiri wedding songs.
The Zapan, adorned with colorful fabrics, harkened back to a time when brides were customarily carried in palanquins, a practice that has diminished due to modern transportation and changing lifestyles. For the older generation, this revival evoked nostalgia for weddings characterized by traditional rituals and community involvement. Village elder Mohammed Akram expressed that the sight of the bride in a Zapan was a poignant reminder of their cultural identity, emphasizing the importance of preserving such customs in a rapidly evolving world. The family’s initiative received widespread acclaim from the Ganderbal community, as many recognized it as a vital effort to reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots. Upon arriving at her in-laws’ home, the bride was greeted with prayers, flowers, and traditional blessings, marking the ceremony’s conclusion. This event highlighted the ongoing decline of Kashmir’s traditional wedding practices, including Wanvun and communal participation, while also illustrating how families can integrate cultural traditions into modern celebrations. For the attendees, the wooden Zapan symbolized more than just a mode of transport; it represented a cherished cultural legacy that many feared was fading away.
