Shah Basit
Javid Ahmed, a 44-year-old masal czot seller, usually spends his days just outside Boys High School in Kangan town, Ganderbal. On the 25th of September, as the second phase of the Jammu Kashmir assembly elections unfolded, his humble stall became a small hub of excitement, much to his surprise.
“I didn’t expect today to be anything out of the ordinary,” Javid said, wiping his hands after serving a fresh piece of masal czot. “Usually, on election days, people are busy voting, but I decided to set up my cart early in the morning, just like I always do.”
Kangan, which witnessed a remarkable polling percentage of 67.6%, was abuzz as voters gathered at the polling station. The atmosphere outside the booth was a mix of anticipation and casual conversation, where people mingled, waiting for their turn to cast their ballots.
Among the gathering crowd, Javid stood out—his stall a beacon for anyone craving a quick, flavorful bite. The masal czot, a local delicacy, is a hit on any given day, but this election day brought an unexpected surge in customers.
“By noon, I had already sold more than I usually do all day,” Javid recalled with a smile. “Voters, school children, even the security personnel couldn’t resist. It was almost like they were more drawn to my czot than the voting booths!”
What started as a typical day of selling his signature snack—white peas smothered in radish chutney and wrapped in lavasa bread—turned into one of the busiest days Javid had ever seen.
He usually sells around 100 pieces by evening, but by mid-afternoon, his sales had already crossed that mark.
As he stood outside the polling booth, he witnessed the ebb and flow of election day—voters coming in groups, the occasional excitement when familiar faces emerged from the booth, and the chatter about local candidates.
“I saw a lot of enthusiasm,” he said. “People from all walks of life came to vote. Some were eager, some hesitant, but everyone had something to say about the elections.”
The Kangan constituency, where Javid has spent most of his life, was witnessing a closely fought election. The discussions he overheard while serving czot ranged from developmental promises to grievances over the lack of local amenities.
“It’s fascinating to listen to what people talk about while they’re waiting in line,” Javid added. “It gives me an idea of what’s really on their minds, beyond the everyday small talk.”
As the day drew to a close, Javid found himself sold out—a rare feat even on the busiest of days. “I couldn’t believe it. By the end of the day, I had nothing left to sell. It was a good day for me,” he shared, beaming with pride.
Javid Ahmed’s stall may not be a place where political decisions are made, but on this election day, it was a place where conversations flowed, opinions were exchanged, and the spirit of democracy blended seamlessly with the spices of a beloved local dish.