As the winter chill returns, the busiest markets of Srinagar come alive with the arrival of ‘ducks and geese,’ a seasonal delicacy that is eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike.
These plump birds are known for their rich and flavorful meat, making them a staple of Kashmiri cuisine.
Shopkeepers in the bustling Maharaj Bazar and Lal Chowk markets display their freshly slaughtered ducks and geese, as their golden skin glistening under the winter sun.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Ghulam Hassan, a shopkeeper, who has been selling these birds for over a long time, said ducks and geese are a must-have during the winter season.
He added the meat is tender and flavorful, and it's a great source of protein to keep the people warm during the cold months.
Locals from different parts of Srinagar said ducks and geese are an essential part of their winter diet. “I always make sure to buy a few ducks and geese for the winter,” says Fatima, a housewife from Rajbagh, adding her family loves them and they are perfect for making a variety of dishes.
Likewise, the elders in Srinagar recall the days when ducks and geese were raised in almost every household, providing a sustainable source of food for families.
Ghulam Mohammad, an elderly resident from Sonwar, recalling his memories, said, “In the old days, we used to raise our own ducks and geese. It was a way of life, and it ensured that we had fresh, organic meat throughout the winter.”
He further added that today while fewer families raise their own birds, the demand for ducks and geese remains strong as the winter has finally arrived and the taste of home-grown ducks and geese is unmatched.
“As an old tradition, when Autumn falls starts in Kashmir, ducks and geese become more tasty and mouthwatering, and a delicacy of each and every household,” he added
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