Shah Basit
Gagangir: In a heartwarming tribute to Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, a bride in Gagangir village of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was carried to her marital home in a traditional wooden Zapan, reviving a centuries-old wedding custom that has gradually faded from the Valley’s celebrations.
Eschewing decorated cars and modern-day wedding arrangements, the family opted for a traditional Ruksati (bridal farewell), with village elders and relatives carrying the bride on their shoulders through the winding lanes of Gagangir, near Sonamarg.
The unique procession drew crowds of villagers and guests, while women sang Wanvun—the traditional Kashmiri wedding songs—adding a touch of nostalgia and cultural warmth to the occasion.
Draped in colourful and intricately designed fabrics, the wooden Zapan offered a glimpse into Kashmir’s traditional wedding customs, when brides were carried to their husbands’ homes in such palanquins as part of the Ruksati ceremony.
Over the years, however, the practice has largely disappeared, with decorated cars and modern transportation replacing the traditional mode of bridal farewell.
For many elderly villagers, the occasion brought back memories of an era when Kashmiri weddings were deeply rooted in local customs, community participation and cultural traditions.
“Seeing a bride leave in a Zapan took us decades back. In the fast-paced modern world, our priceless customs are slipping away. This beautiful effort reminds us of who we are and where we come from,” said village elder Mohammed Akram.
The family’s decision to revive the tradition received appreciation from locals across the Ganderbal region, with many describing the gesture as a meaningful effort to preserve Kashmir’s cultural identity and reconnect younger generations with customs they have rarely witnessed.
Upon reaching her in-laws’ home, the bride was welcomed with prayers, showers of flowers and traditional blessings, bringing the culturally rich ceremony to a memorable close.
Beyond the wedding festivities, the occasion served as a reminder that Kashmir’s cultural heritage lives on through the traditions families choose to preserve. In Gagangir, a simple wooden Zapan became a symbol of continuity, carrying not just a bride, but also memories of a tradition that many feared was being lost to time.
